R&A Magazine - Fall 2020 - 47

T H E B I A CORNER

Spot Home Damage Before It's Too Late
Homeowners are advised to conduct regular checks around their homes. By keeping their
eyes peeled, they have a better chance of preventing a small leak from becoming significant
water damage, an improperly sealed window from turning into a significant mold issue, etc.
Here are some general tips for keeping your home in good shape and minimizing repairs as
much as possible over time.

Matt Grosh

2020 President

Roof
Starting at the top: The roof is a critical part of your home, and you may not look very often.
Check your roof for curling, cracked or missing shingles, and for signs of overall wear. It is
well worth the investment to make small repairs to avoid costly damage down the road.

Building Industry
Association of
Lancaster County

Water

Appliances
You may not realize that a refrigerator can cause you more grief than warm food, but if the
apparatus springs a leak, it often goes unnoticed while it wreaks havoc in your home. Check
to ensure all of your large appliances are in good working order and properly maintain them
with routine cleaning and filter replacement.

Insects and Rodents
The appearance of ants and insects, as well as rodents, is always unwelcome. But it can
also mean damage to your home, especially from termites and burrowing rodents. Regularly
do a deep clean of your floors and carpets, and check outdoors for any openings into your
exterior brick, walls, and roof. Call a professional if you suspect you have a pest problem.

Foundation
Foundation issues could result from poor drainage around your home, intense dry and moist
seasons over time. While there are not many quick fixes, noticing it sooner rather than later
is still beneficial. A telling foundation issue is a cracking or separation in the bricks. A lesserknown sign of damage is when door and window frames become out of alignment. Your
basement door no longer closes, and you notice a crack forming in a basement window? It
might mean your foundation is shifting, and that's never good news.
While these are just a few tips and not a comprehensive checklist, think of it as a friendly
reminder to keep your eyes peeled for potential home repair needs that shouldn't wait. Remember that professional contractors have the expertise to help you address critical home
issues.
For more information, contact the BIA of Lancaster County at lancasterbuilders.org.
R&A

the BIA corner

The main reason for ensuring your roof is in good shape is to avoid water leaks into your
home. A light brown or sunken-in spot in your ceilings can be a telltale sign. As can a musty,
moldy smell. Ceilings, walls, and floors with water damage can be soft or spongy to the
touch. And you may even hear dripping if plumbing is the source of your leak.

http://www.lancasterbuilders.org

R&A Magazine - Fall 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of R&A Magazine - Fall 2020