Certain property maintenance issues become evident right away. For instance, sewage heavily clogged or backing up, a visible mold largely infested on walls and ceilings, or even a tilted floor level all indicate immediate trouble. On the other hand, there are less conspicuous concerns that gradually inflict damage on your property. It's always smart to fix problems when they're small. The longer a hidden problem sticks around, the more it could cost to fix. We have seen a fair share of cases where the property owners/managers missed the golden time to deal with the issue and had to pay a hefty fee later. We have compiled a list of tell-tale signs you need to pay attention to. These relatively negligible signs might mean big trouble later on if you don't take action fast.
Peeling or Blistering Paint
Before you fix the paint that's coming off, cracking, or bubbling, we strongly advise you to figure out why it happened. It might be because the paint job wasn't done carefully. Other times, there might be a leak causing the trouble. Look closely at the wall, and if you see dampness or water. If so, call a plumber immediately to fix the hidden issue.
Heavy White Residue on a Brick Chimney
The white stuff you can find on bricks is called efflorescence. It could seem like a usual thing that occurs when chimneys get older, but this white buildup is actually showing a major problem with the chimney. It happens when water takes minerals from inside the bricks and brings them out, making them look white. In general, it isn't a big deal and you can find a little on many kinds of bricks. However, if you see a lot of thick, solid white stuff, it may indicate that there's too much water in your chimney. It is possible that flue liners inside your chimney are cracked or there is an interior plumbing leak. Whatever's causing it, it's best to get an expert to check it out.
Bowing and Bulging
When the walls inside your building start to bend or bulge, it means the support inside isn't enough or it's not strong. This can happen when the walls are made too thin to hold up the weight of the ceilings or the upper floors. When this happens, it often means the walls, or the things like beams, joists, and partitions, need to be made stronger.
Tiny Holes in Drywall or Wood
Did you know these seemingly harmless little spots can actually be a warning of a big problem ahead? Even if they're just a bunch of small dots on the wall, they're not as harmless as they seem. In many cases, they may be exit holes for flying termites. It means termites are causing serious trouble on your property. Flying termites make these holes in drywall for young termites to leave. If you see these tiny halls, call the exterminator right away.
Sticking Doors and Windows
Are your doors or windows that used to work smoothly now becoming hard to open or close? Be aware, because it might mean there's a problem with your property's foundation. Check if there are other issues such as doors not shutting properly or floors being uneven. Shifting soil can also lead to this issue. You can determine if this is the cause by stepping outside and visually examining your exterior walls. Start from the corner of each wall and look along its length for any signs of tilting, curving, or leaning.
Sagging Floors and Roofs
Buildings that are older or built where the water is high might start to look like they're sinking. This is because the floors aren't straight anymore; The base of the house needs to be made stronger. Sometimes, floors can also tilt if the base wasn't put in properly, or if the things holding up the floor are getting old, or if water has caused damage. When your roof starts to bend down, it's showing a big problem that won't just affect that one part. This usually comes from leaks or lots of water that are making the bottom part of the roof get all rotted.
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