If you plan to sell your house or simply want to ensure its long-term safety, it is essential to prioritize its structural integrity. This requires you to maintain the strength and upkeep of its foundations to ensure the longevity of the entire structure. Unfortunately, many people tend to overlook the foundation while repairing or renovating their homes because it costs more than $10,000 to make structural repairs. But you don’t have to follow this trend. Here are four ways you can protect your house from structural damage.
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Inspect your roof on a regular basis
Because your roof is not easily visible, there may be minor flaws that you are unaware of. It is essential to the health and longevity of your property; therefore, you should look for any missing or damaged roof tile, as well as anything that does not appear to be of great quality. A missing tile may not seem like a huge concern, but it can soon lead to leaks, termite infestations or weather damage.
Replace outdated floor joists
Floor joists erode easily over time, and you need to keep an eye on these because they are critical for the structure and integrity of your home. This is because the beams work as support to hold up your home and transmit weight from the top of your home to the foundations. If your joists are weak and of poor quality, you risk compromising your safety. As a solution, consider replacing outdated floor joists with a steel channel. A steel channel is a versatile and durable solution that provides improved load-bearing capabilities. Not only is a steel channel highly resistant to warping and deterioration but it is also fire-resistant, making it an ideal choice for you to ensure your home’s long-term structural integrity. Floor joists are often accessible through a crawl area of the basement of your home, so keep this in mind.
Waterproof your home
Moisture can cause significant damage to the exterior of your home, and waterproofing your property can prevent water from entering and repair foundation wall damage. Similarly, it can keep your property’s structural footing from deteriorating and provide foundation reinforcement. Keep in mind that it is also beneficial for termite control, as there will be less moisture for these critters to thrive. Hire the services of a credible firm to ensure the job is well done. Check your home’s walls for cracks and crevices that need to be repaired before waterproofing. Consider setting up a gravel and weeping tile system to promote proper drainage and prevent future damage.
Fill gaps around doors and windows
Your doors and windows can indicate any issues with the structure of your house. When one part of your house starts to sink, the other part does not go down as quickly, causing your interior walls to bend. Consequently, this leads to holes in your walls, which can cause drafts throughout your home and be quite inconvenient to deal with. In addition to dealing with the sinking problem, consider sealing gaps in your door and window frames, tightening your door hinges, repairing old weather stripping and installing a new one. Examine your windows and doors for leaks, and don’t forget about your chimneys and vents. Expanding foam may be used to fill big gaps around windows, act as a moisture barrier and allow for some movement without breaking or splitting.
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