Many of us live under the working assumption that our properties are safe and secure. They protect us from the elements and prevent others from getting in and taking our stuff.
But are they actually safe? There’s often a big difference between the appearance of being safe and providing a healthy environment conducive to the long-term well-being of dogs, kids, and other family members.
In this article, we look at some of the ways your property might be unsafe and what you can do about them. Here’s everything you need to know:
Problems With The Roof
The first place to start when rendering your home safe is with the roof. It can harbor numerous unseen issues that put you and your family at risk.
The most significant hazard is loose tiles. These can fall off the roof and hit people on the head at any time, often fatally.
Another problem is leaks. These can cause the interiors of your home to become waterlogged, leading to the development of dampness and mold.
Extreme weather can also cause unseen structural damage. These issues can persist for years before they finally fail (often catastrophically).
The good news is that fixing issues with the roof is usually pretty straightforward. Getting a roofer over to perform some maintenance can help you detect problems and resolve them before they cause a hazard. Loose tiles are the main issue, but you also want to check things like pointing.
Problems With Home Security
You may also come across problems with home security. These are trickier to identify but offer massive long-term benefits for protecting you and your family.
One common problem is a lack of exterior lighting. Dark corners around properties make them more enticing for criminals looking for easy targets.
Another issue is weak windows. Homes that are easier to break and enter into are more likely to see theft.
Even outdated locks can be a significant problem. Criminals can pick these easily and use them to gain access to your home.
The solution to these issues often involves calling professionals or DIY. For example, you could install security lighting around your doors and windows, and attach cameras in opportune locations. These monitor external areas and keep everything visible.
You can also hire locksmiths to check your exterior doors and windows. These professionals can install high-security mortise locks that are much harder for people to pick.
Problems With Balconies
Balconies are another safety flash point in many homes. These structures are often unstable and built to low standards, particularly in parts of the country where building codes weren’t strict historically.
Many states, for instance, have seen examples of these structures collapsing, injuring those on them and below. Others can be unsteady, leading to falls.
For this reason, many homeowners hire an SB 326 inspection company. These outfits check for compliance with building codes and can produce certificates proving that specific terraces and balconies are safe for human use.
Problems With Insurance
Another issue that many homeowners are grappling with during storm season is problems with insurance. Some policies simply don’t provide comprehensive coverage or only pay out a small amount in the event of loss or damage.
Unfortunately, this problem can be hard to solve since many insurance companies won’t provide full coverage for damage. This issue can make owning a home in certain areas a liability.
There are two potential solutions. One is to move to a location where this type of uninsurable damage isn’t a risk, and the other is to prepare your home for the worst. Putting up metal reinforcements on the outside can protect windows and doors, while pumps and floor defenses can keep interiors dry, even if 18 inches of rain falls in a couple of hours.
Problems With The Structure
Finally, many homeowners run into problems with the structure of their homes. Cracks in the walls and foundations can make the likelihood of collapse higher.
While tumbling masonry is unlikely in most cases, it can be an issue for many homeowners. Falling walls can damage outside spaces and increase the risk of injury substantially.
Structural problems are something you can deal with if you work with the right contractors, but require professional assistance. You can’t rely on DIY to get the job done properly.
If you think structural issues are affecting your home, speak to engineers who can potentially fix it. Get them to carry out a survey so you know the extent of the damage and what needs to be done about it.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.
