While we're still in the grips of Winter, it's important to stay ahead of weather-related home problems and the repairs they may need. Living in a climate with high humidity, warm summers, and cold winters, our homes are subject to wear and tear that could cause serious damages in the future, if left unrepaired.
Here are a few signs that weather might be affecting your home:
Doors & windows no longer open and close with ease.
There are a few reasons that your doors may not stay closed. Some of the easier repairs include replacing the door's hinges, knobs, or sometimes even the door itself. After years of opening & closing, the screws and hinges can be loose and the door can hang too low for the knob to latch properly to the doorframe. If you've recently put in older or vintage door knobs, they are usually smaller than current doorknobs, which can also affect it's ability to latch closed. Drastic weather changes can cause the house's walls and foundation to expand or shift, which causes a much bigger issue than changing a hinge. A foundational shift can also cause many other serious issues.
Cracks show up in the walls and ceiling.
Similar to the doors sticking, walls and ceilings can being to crack with the expansion and contraction of air during the changing weather. These cracks can be unsightly as they run either across or down the walls. Some people use the rule of thumb that "the crack points to the problem", so take notice where they might be showing up in your home! It could just be old drywall but, if you don't plan to repair it, keep an eye on it and seek help if it continues to grow!
Your drywall and wood bubbles up.
Weather can affect the internal parts of your home by wearing on the outside, like roofs, walls, windows, and others. With a roof leak, your attic will take a beating, affecting the insulation, drywall, wood interior, and anything else you might have up there. The water can bubble up in the drywall, ceilings, wallpaper, and light fixtures. It also will warp any sort of wood, whether doors, floors, cabinets, or trim. Water damage is not something to be taken lightly, as it can lead to mold problems and is a potential health hazard.
