If you’re like most homeowners, you hardly think twice about seemingly small household annoyances when they pop up — but that could be a big (and expensive) mistake. Below, our restoration contractors at Kiser Construction have outlined four common household occurrences that should raise red flags if you notice them. Be sure to keep an eye out for these things so you’ll know when you have a potential problem on your hands.
Flickering Lights
Flickering lights, either inside or outside your home, are never a good sign. But before you panic, check the bulb inside the fixture to make sure it isn’t loose. If it’s properly installed and the lights still flicker, that’s a sign there’s faulty wiring somewhere in the walls of your home.
In some cases, flickering lights can also indicate that your home’s wiring system is not designed to handle the electrical load you normally use. In either case, you're at risk for a house fire if you don’t remedy the problem promptly. To avoid expensive fire damage restoration repairs, contact a licensed electrician for a wiring inspection as soon as you can.
Stuck Windows or Cracked Glass
Do any of your windows refuse to open? Have you noticed unexplained cracks in the glass? If so, you’re in trouble. Both of these issues indicate that your home has experienced a structural shift, which could be due to a variety of causes. When a shift occurs, it places excessive pressure on the openings that house your windows, which can cause them to stick or crack. If you notice your windows are sticking and they’re not past their prime, contact a specialist for a structural home inspection immediately.
Blistering or Peeling Paint
Have you noticed any paint damage around your house? Before you try to touch up blistering, peeling, or cracking paint, it’s important to determine what caused the damage. Though there’s always a chance the initial paint job was poorly performed, paint damage usually stems from moisture intrusion.
In most cases, paint deterioration is due to one or more small leaks somewhere in your plumbing system, and if you don’t locate the source of the water, the issue will only grow worse. Contact a plumber for a pipe inspection at your earliest convenience; otherwise, you’ll be calling for water damage restoration repairs before you know it.
Bulging Washing Machine Hose
Take a look at the hose that feeds your washing machine — if it appears as though its girth has expanded over time, your home is at risk for water damage. Over time, high water pressure can soften the rubber within the hose, weakening its ability to sustain continued water pressure.
If you notice one or more small bulges along the length of the hose, that’s a sign that the rubber is on verge of rupturing. A burst washing machine hose can easily flood your home, so to avoid extensive water damage restoration repairs, make sure you replace the hose immediately.
Kiser Construction: Your Trusted Twin Cities Home Restoration Contractors
If you think your home has suffered structural damage, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team at Kiser Construction. We specialize in water, fire, and storm damage restoration, along with a wide variety of home renovation and remodeling services. To learn more or schedule an appointment, feel free to give our team a call today at 763-633-2010 or send us a message on our contact page, and we’ll get back to you promptly.
If you recently suffered home damage and require emergency restoration services, please contact us on our 24/7 emergency line at 612-518-8852.