Most disrepair problems fall into five categories:
Damp and Mould
Damp and mould are caused by excess moisture. Moisture in buildings can be caused by leaking pipes, rising damp in basements or ground floors, or rain seeping in because of damage to the roof or around window frames. Damp and mould can cause a number of health issues. If you have damp and mould in your home you’re more likely to have respiratory problems, respiratory infections, allergies or asthma. Damp and mould can also affect the immune system. Moulds produce allergens (substances that can cause an allergic reaction), irritants and, sometimes, toxic substances. Inhaling or touching mould spores may cause an allergic reaction, such as sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes and skin rash. Moulds can also cause asthma attacks.
Leaks
If there is a leak on your property you’ll need to fix it as quickly as possible. If left unattended, leaking water can also cause flooding and ground movement. A water leak can cause a number of housing issues from rotten woodwork, penetrating damp, rising damp, mould, ceiling damage and many more. You will need to quickly establish where the leak is coming from which could be a leaking roof, gutters, drains, damaged or broken pipes internally or externally.
Heating
Heating issues can cause a number of problems within your property for you and or your family, these issues can be caused from a faulty boiler, faulty radiators, faulty storage heater or even no hot water. Cold homes can cause high blood pressure and even heart attacks and pneumonia. They can also lead to social isolation, loss of sleep, stress and mental illness.
Electrical
Having electricity makes life easier, but when problems occur electricity can be hazardous and highly dangerous. There are a number of electrical hazards that could arise in any home for example poor wiring, defective electric wires, and outlets close to water or leaks within the property. Anyone can be exposed to electric problems within the home and can lead to electric shocks which can result in anything from a slight tingling sensation to immediate cardiac arrest.
Structural
The most common structural issues in residential homes
include problems with the foundation, bearing walls, beams, floor framing and
roof framing. Everyone deserves to feel safe and comfortable in their own home,
so it can be particularly stressful when signs of structural damage are
identified. When your home has structural damage then the foundation is no
longer able to support your home. In every structural damage case, your home is
at risk for failure or collapse. Spotting the signs of structural problems is
essential for the maintenance of any property. Structural damage can include:
bowed walls, gaps where your walls and floors meet, drywall cracks, especially
around door frames, nail pops, cracked basement walls – horizontal, stair-step
or vertical, uneven or bouncy floors, sticking windows or doors, cabinets that
swing open. The Exterior Signs, stair-step cracks in brick or stonework,
front porch or stairs pulling away from your home, gaps in your windows or door
frames, cracked or leaning chimney.