Do you own an older home? If so, you may want to take a closer look at some of the scary features that may be lurking in your home. Make sure your home doesn’t have any of these; otherwise there could be a disaster when you least expect it.
- Old water damage: At first, this might not seem like that bad of an issue; however, over time, it could turn into a scary disaster. To find these issues, look for water stains on ceilings and walls; buckling floors or walls might also be a sign of water damage. Another way to tell is by the smell; if you smell mold or mildew when walking into a room, it might be a sign that there is a leak.
- Asbestos: This human carcinogen was used in homes in insulation before the 1970s. Since then, it has become heavily regulated due to illnesses it can cause. Although it is difficult to detect, it can cause lung cancer and asbestosis (an illness of the lungs).
- Old plumbing: Older plumbing can cause low water pressure and leaks. If not fixed, this could lead to bigger problems, like water damage or mold; and that seems to be one of the scariest problems vintage homeowners face today.
- Lead paint: Homes built before 1978 typically contain lead paint, which typically is not a problem until it starts chipping. These can be toxic to small children and pets. The best solution is to have these paint chips tested or have your home repainted. Don’t sand your walls if they have lead paint, because this could lead to the particles becoming airborne.
Steps to Prevent Hazards
- To prevent mold, you should wipe up any standing water and have your leaky pipes fixed immediately. Older homes tend to have more plumbing issues; so if you see mold around the sink or toilet, it means there is a deeper issue. Read more about ways to prevent mold here.
- Water damage is another scary feature in older homes that is easily fixable if found early. Make sure appliances like your hot water heater, air conditioner or refrigerator aren’t leaking. You can do this by making sure there is a place for water to drain if needed and that all of the tubes and valves are installed properly. You can read more about preventing water damage here.
- In terms of repainting your home, you should opt for a non-toxic paint. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indoor air contains two to five more contaminants than the outside air. Typical paints contain chemicals that can increase this number of contaminants and can cause breathing problems and headaches. A great alternative would be non-toxic paint; they are typically water-based and are a great ecofriendly alternative. You can read more about nontoxic paint here.
Many of these scary issues are fixable with Rainbow Restoration help; if you feel that your home has one of these scary problems, contact us today!
Additional Reading:
Fire Escape Plans for Work and Home
Cleaning and Storing Contents: How We Handle Your Belongings
Fire Damage: What to Do After the Dust Settles
Cleaning and Storing Contents: How We Handle Your Belongings
