You might think of your home as being a strong, robust structure. But when you look through the long list of things that can go drastically wrong in 24 hours, it causes you to reevaluate.
Just look at how many people lose everything in disasters.
That’s why it is always worth thinking about the many ways your house can fall apart in less than 24 hours. Keeping these thoughts in the back of your mind ensures you’re prepared and ready to go when disaster invariable and inevitably strikes.
1. Roof Collapse
Extreme as it may sound, roof collapse is surprisingly common.
What’s more, it usually happens on a short timescale. It can be fine for years and then reach a threshold (or be triggered by something) and fall through.
The problem with roof collapse is that, clearly, it damages the rest of your home. You have to act immediately to prevent even more issues and possible loss of your property.
2. Electrical Fires
Electrical fires are another reason your home can fall apart in less than 24 hours. These usually begin silently and can grow to a significant size before you know they’re happening.
What’s so insidious about electrical fires is the fact that the risk is invisible. You can’t see damaged wires because, usually, they’re behind walls.
Therefore, it’s always a good idea to get inspections if you think you have old wiring at your property. Electricians can evaluate your situation and provide much-needed advice on what to do next.
3. Pest Infestation
Pest infestation is another issue that can creep up on you and then suddenly explode within 24 hours. You might notice the odd pest here and there in the run-up, but then witness thousands of ants crawling across your floors, especially when you go on holiday.
That’s where pest control can help. These services nip the problem in the bud and prevent it from becoming more widespread.
4. Sewer Backup
Sewer backup is perhaps the nastiest house issue that can creep up on you in 24 hours or less. When this happens, nothing will drain, and your entire property smells awful.
Sewer backup usually happens when there is a blockage in the outlet pipe. Wastewater can’t drain to the mains line, causing issues from thereon out.
You can try to deal with this problem using DIY methods. However, usually, you need a plumber’s rod or stick to remove the obstruction and get things flowing again. Sometimes, you also need professionals to open up the drains and remove the blockage materials, which are usually a mixture of grease, hair, and wet wipes.
5. Foundation Sinkhole
Finally, you could get into trouble in less than 24 hours if your home is built on dangerous foundations. Sometimes, there are voids beneath homes that suddenly collapse after many years, sometimes because of fatigue, but also because of changing subterranean water flows.
Foundation sinkholes are obviously very dangerous and usually lead to the total loss of property. The insurance company will usually refill them and try to build on the land, or simply reimburse you.
Daniel is a Cinnamon Hollow author passionate about house and home, renovations, homesteading and DIY.
