The Hidden Dangers Putting Your Home at Risk and What You Can Do to Remedy Them

Our houses are possibly the most expensive thing that any of us will ever own, and along with the hefty price of buying a property, the cost doesn’t stop there. The US Census Bureau finds that homeowners will spend one to four percent of their home’s value annually on repairs.

Now, written in those terms, that does not sound like a lot, but when you factor in the average value of a US home is $428,700, that small percentage is equivalent to $4287-$17,148 every single year. So, bearing that in mind, we’ve compiled a short list of the hidden dangers in your home, which, if not maintained regularly, could cause you huge heartache further down the line.

Faulty Electrics

Faulty electrics are no joke and can not only cause damage to the property itself but can also become a danger to life. While you may panic, given that most of the electrics in your home are hidden behind the walls, in the ceilings, and under the floors, a simple piece of advice can save your life.

If you can ever smell fish, but have not been cooking them, then this is a possible sign of an electrical fire somewhere in your home. Call the emergency services and vacate the property while the problem is found and dealt with.

Leaking Roof

Although not often thought about, the roof is a truly integral part of the structure of your home. It keeps you warm and dry from the elements, protecting everything that comes beneath it like a benevolent hat; always there and always doing its job.

However, because this is often a vast piece of engineering, and not particularly easy to see on a day-to-day basis, small leaks can go unnoticed for months, and even years. This can then cause major problems, with dampness able to spread from the top and down through the walls, eventually causing major issues with the entire building.

One simple and easy way to remedy this is to get experts in St. Louis roof repair to carry out a survey, enabling them to pinpoint and rectify any problems as and when they arise.

Gas Leaks and Boiler Problems

Another major issue in your home can arise from your boiler. Gas provides heat and a major means to cook food in most houses but is a dangerous commodity when not used correctly.

Gas leaks in the home are a major danger to life, and residents must act quickly if they suspect that they have one, as carbon monoxide, known as ‘the silent killer’, can engulf your home without you noticing until it is too late. This gas has no natural odor, although, in many circumstances, a smell has been added to help you identify it.

A few simple rules can ensure you and your family are safe, however. The first is making sure that you have a working carbon monoxide alarm in the house. These are cheap, easy to fix, and battery-powered, working much like a smoke alarm.

The second simple rule is to have a safety check on your boiler carried out yearly by a qualified professional. They will be able to test your boiler for any faults before you’re in any danger.