Structural damage refers to any type of damage that affects the core integrity of the house. When you property has structural damage, it means the foundation is no longer capable of supporting your home. It may be at risk of failure or collapse.

Recognizing early warning signs that may point to foundation issues will help you keep small concerns from becoming bigger, more complicated problems.

Here are 4 signs that indicate possible structural damage to your home.

Sagging roof

Your roof line should be arrow straight. Go outside and look at your house from across the street. If you notice a curve or dip on the peak, this could be a sign that your house has a foundation problem.

A sagging roof is a sign of a serious problem that shouldn’t be ignored. Often, it is an indication that there is an issue with the roof structure. Check and inspect your roof and address problems immediately. This will help keep your roof in top shape and prevent water damage that may cause structural problem eventually.

Cracks on the wall

New homes tend to move or settle somewhat. That means, hairline cracks on the wall are rarely worth worrying about. But if you notice that the cracks get bigger over time, it could be indicative of a serious problem that should be addressed as soon as possible.

The floor is sloping

When a level floor develops a slant, it’s a sign that something has shifted in the structure of your home. The problem is that a slight slope in the floor isn’t easy to spot - unless you spill a glass of water and the liquid runs to the same spot or you drop a marble and it rolls to one side of the floor.

The door and windows stick or won’t close

If your door used to close easily but now sticks or won’t close, it could be a sign that your foundation is settling. This is common in older properties and is usually caused by distortion.

Termites

Despite their size, termites can eat away at ceiling joists, wall studs or support beams, wreaking havoc on your home’s foundation. A house that is suffering from termite infestation can become unlivable. If you find termite exit holes, call the exterminator right away.

During the cold Colorado winter months, most people spend the majority of their time indoors to stay out of the cold. As the weather starts to warm, it’s time to rediscover the outside world and check those areas of your home that need maintenance.

Maintaining a happy and healthy home goes beyond just cleaning and vacuuming. Here are 4 maintenance tips to keep your Denver Colorado home humming for spring.

Check outside faucets

Subzero temperatures can cause water inside the pipes to expand, which results in a massive pipe burst. Once the weather starts warming up, the water thaws and begins to move again. The longer water is allowed to flow, the more you can expect to pay for repairs. As such, it is important to check your outdoor faucets and deal with the problem immediately.

Check the gutters

A debris-clogged gutter can lead to water damage, foundation issues, and extensive roofing damage. The problem is that most homeowners do not give their gutters much thought, unless there’s a problem with them. That’s why it’s important to keep your gutters clean.

Clean your gutters to keep them working like they should. Also, make sure that the downspouts are clear and free from debris and draining away from the foundation. Don’t forget to check for loose or leaky gutters.

Inspect your roof

Winter can take a toll on your Denver home’s roof. Spring is an excellent time to inspect your roof to ensure that it is in top condition.

Get up close and personal with your roof using a ladder. Do you notice gaps in the shingles, loose shingles, wear and tear around the pipes or loose materials? If so, then you should address the problem in the soonest possible time. If left unaddressed, you may find yourself facing water damage. Your roof is your first line of defense against water damage. You want to make sure your it is equipped to handle the elements.

Keep allergens away

According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control, 8% of Americans experience seasonal allergies. With the changing of seasons comes an increased output of pollen from weeds, grass, trees, and the specter of allergic rhinitis.

Don’t wait for spring allergies to happen. Keep allergens at bay by starting your spring cleaning early. Clean and dust every surface of the house. Wash the curtains. Vacuum the floors. Don’t forget to change your air filters.

As tempting as it may be the let the spring breeze in, keep the windows closed to keep pollen out. This will create a safe retreat during the peak pollen season. Change your clothes once you get home. Pollen sticks to fabric, so you may end up spreading them throughout the house.

Water damage is a serious issue that will worsen with time. The longer you wait, the more damage the property will endure. It can also lead to more serious consequences. A short response time is critical when water damage occurs.

Here are a few important reasons why you should take fast action when facing water damage.

Prevent further damage

When your home is suffering from water damage, the structural integrity of your home is in danger. Time is of the essence. You need to act fast. Not only will the water weaken the structural integrity of your home, it can also make your home unlivable. A timely response will limit the damage done to your home; thus, preventing you from spending a huge sum of money on repairs.

Prevent mold growth

It only takes 24 to 48 hours for your situation to go from bad to worse. Water damage creates wet, moist environments, which provides an ideal environment for mold to grow. If not dealt with immediately, mold may start growing in your home. As you probably know, exposure to mold can cause health hazards.

The last thing you want is to have a mold problem. It is important to remove standing water as quickly as possible, clean the affected areas and dry it out completely to eliminate the potential for mold growth.

Safety issues

Within 24 to 48 hours after discovering a water issue in your home, Category 1 (clean water) will turn to Category 2 (Grey water). Since bacteria are often present in category 2 water, this may cause discomfort or sickness to your family.

In addition, you are at great risk of electrocution when there is standing water in your home. This is especially true when the water has reached any electrical outlets or appliances. For your own safety, please turn off the power source to your home.

When you find yourself in a flood situation, there are a lot of things you can do to bring back order into your home. Contacting a reliable water damage restoration company like AdvantaClean is a good first step.

Your water heater is one of those important household appliances you rely on the most, especially during the chilly winter months. Unfortunately, most people do not give their water heaters much thought until something goes wrong. Just like any other piece of equipment, it needs your attention occasionally to save energy and prolong its life.

When harsh winter weather arrives, you want to make sure your water heater is working efficiently. With these maintenance tips, you can increase your water heater’s efficiency and longevity, saving the hassle and expense of a premature replacement.

Insulate your water heater tank

A water heater tank that is warm to the touch needs additional insulation. Go ahead and touch your tank. Insulating your water heater tank is an easy and inexpensive way to improve the energy efficiency and extend the life of your water heater. It can improve its efficiency by up to 40% and reduce standby heat loss by 25-45%.

Install a heavy insulation blanket if your water heater is located in an unconditioned space such as the attic, garage or basement. Don’t forget to insulate your pipes as well.

Flush the tank

Over time, sediment and sludge can collect and settle at the bottom of your water heater. This will prevent your water heater from running efficiently and may even rack up your energy bills.

Flushing out these deposits will ensure that your water is in top shape and prevent malfunctions. The frequency with which to flush a water heater depends on the amount of water used and the size of the tank.

Check for leaks and drips

Water heater leak is something you shouldn’t ignore. If you do not act fast, it can morph into a major flooding disaster that can cause significant damage to your property.

Look for signs of a water heater leak. If you notice a pool of water beneath the tank, a leak inside the tank could be the culprit. Sometimes, a water leak can be hard to determine, especially if the leak is slow. Let your senses guide you. Turn off external sources of sounds, stand beside your water heater, and listen for the sounds of water rushing or dripping. Follow the sound and search for visual signs of a leak. If you hear water, but no apparent signs of a leak, there may be a break inside the tank.

A pre-listing inspection is done before the house is listed on the market. Some sellers think it’s an unnecessary expense. After all, the buyer will have to get an inspection later on. So, why bother?

There are a few ways that a pre-listing inspection can benefit home sellers. Here are some of them.

Ensures a smoother, more efficient transaction

Selling a house can be stressful. Not knowing if there is something wrong with the house can add to your stress. If you’re the type of person who doesn’t like surprises, then we highly recommend that you have the house inspected before selling.

Getting ahead of the game and understanding your home’s condition is a big boon to your peace of mind. Your inspector will provide you with a thorough report that may help avoid the unpleasant surprises a home inspection may bring to light later on.

There will be less issues for your agent and the buyer’s agent to hash through, and prevent you from becoming entangled in long negotiations. 

Allows seller to make repairs before listing the house

Majority of home buyers are looking for a house that is in pristine, move-in ready condition. They aren’t keen on tackling repairs or renovations after moving in on their new house. By getting a pre-listing inspection, you’ll have a good idea about the overall condition on the house.

You have the option to make repairs before listing the house. Not only will it improve your chances of selling, it can also help you sell for top dollar. Since you have enough time to make repairs, you can still shop around and get the best deals from contractors; thus, helping you save a lot of money in the process.

Helps the seller and agent to price the house more accurately

If you want to sell your house fast, it is important to price it appropriately. The problem is that, most sellers have an inflated view of what their home is worth.

In order to price your home right, you need to look at the selling price of similar houses in the area. Also, you should consider the condition of your home. A pre-listing inspection will help you get a clear picture about the state of your house. This will make pricing the home accurately much easier.

In Colorado, winter is the least popular time to sell a house. People are busy with holiday gatherings, the property looks dreary, and not to mention the freezing temperatures. It’s a challenging season and most people think it’s a bad time to sell, but the data tells a completely different story.

If you’re ready to sell your Colorado house, then you don’t have to wait. Winter is actually a good time to sell. Don’t believe us? Here are 3 reasons why you should consider putting a for sale sign in your front yard this winter.

Less competition

Spring is the most popular time of the year to sell a house. Most sellers even put off selling until spring. That’s understandable given that selling in the cold, harsh weather can be a bit of a challenge. But come to think of it, if most people are putting off selling their homes, then that means there will be less inventory.

Less inventory means less competition. That means, buyers who are serious about buying a house will have less options this time of the year. Don’t be afraid to sell your house in winter. Just make sure it’s in pristine condition and it’s priced appropriately, and we can guarantee that your house will capture the attention of potential buyers.

Winter brings out serious buyers

From chilly winds to freezing temps to snow and icy roads, the winter weather presents some serious challenges for house hunters. Let’s not forget about the holiday festivities. Just because it’s cold outside or people are busy, it doesn’t mean that there is no demand for houses at this time of the year. 

More often than not, winter homebuyers are looking to move into a new Colorado house before spring rolls around. They don’t have time to look around. If someone requests to see your house, that means your home is on their shortlist. Plus, they’ll have to be serious enough to buy a house to go out and endure the subzero temperatures.

You have your real estate agent’s attention

As mentioned above, inventory is low during the winter months. The number of buyers looking at properties are not that high either. That means, real estate agents will only be working with a number of clients.

If you decide to sell your house in winter, you’ll have your agents full and undivided attention. Your agent can make different and potentially more accurate plans to market your home.

While mold can grow any time of the year, it is in winter when mold tends to become even more of an issue.

Mold is a homeowner’s nightmare. Not only is it unsightly, it can also pose a threat to your home and family’s health. Once it starts to grow, it is difficult to get rid of. That said, you need to take some preventive measures to prevent them from growing in the first place.

Use these tips to prevent mold and mildew growth in your house during the winter months.

Keep all surfaces clean and dry

Condensation and dampness becomes increasingly common in winter. Many of you probably notice some water droplets on the windows or mirrors. This may not seem like a big deal. But if left unchecked, it may encourage mold growth. Dry window surfaces regularly to keep condensation from accumulating. This can also prevent it from becoming potential focus points for mold growth.

Bathroom carry the most moisture in the home. As we all know, mold requires moisture to grow. Keep an eye out on moisture in the bathroom and keep all surfaces clean and dry. 

Use exhaust fans

Taking hot showers and cooking can provide your home with plenty of moisture. Since you can’t open the windows during the cold winter months, having an exhaust fan can be of great help. Turn on the exhaust fan every time you cook or bathe. Leave it on for about 15 to 20 minutes after cooking or showering to vent out excess moisture. 

Keep humidity levels below 40%

As the temperature drops, so does the humidity level. Winter air is dry and can dry out your skin and mucous membrane. Often, humidifiers are used to combat dryness and add water vapor into the indoor air. Although beneficial, humidifiers can create extra moisture and provide the perfect breeding ground for mold and bacteria.                    

The ideal humidity level for your home is somewhere between 30 to 50%. Use a hygrometer to monitor the humidity level inside your home. Keep humidity levels below 40% to prevent mold growth.

Once the air temperature drops below freezing, pipes in unheated spaces may freeze. Standing water left in the pipes will freeze and expand, causing the pipes to burst and flood your home. Damage from frozen or burst pipes can cost thousands of dollars in water damage to your home.

Prepare your plumbing in advance to avoid a costly disaster this winter season.

Insulate pipes

Pipes in unheated spaces such as the garage, attic, and basement are more prone to freezing and bursting. Luckily, preventing freezing pipes can be as easy as installing fiberglass or foam insulation.

Pipe insulation will not prevent your pipes from freezing, it can also improve the life and performance of your plumbing.  

If your home’s plumbing system is not properly insulated, have it wrapped with insulation to keep the pipes warm.

Disconnect water hoses outside your home

As mentioned above, water inside the pipes may freeze and expand during a cold snap. As such, winterizing your outdoor garden hose is a wise move. 

Most exterior faucets have a separate shutoff valve. Locate the shut-off valve and turn it off. Go outside and open the faucet. Drain any water out of the pipe. Let the water run until it is fully drained. Drain the hose entirely of water and store it inside the house.

Keep the heat on

Energy bills rise during the winter. Some people turn the thermostat down in the hopes of saving energy. Saving energy is good. But before you go crazy with turning the thermostat really low, you also have to think about your pipes.

Turning the heat too low increases the risk of frozen and ruptured pipes. Be sure to keep the heat on and set the thermostat to no lower than 55 degrees. This should provide enough heat to keep the pipes warm and prevent water inside from freezing. 

It is also a good idea to leave the cabinet doors under the kitchen sink open, so the air can warm the pipes.

Know where your home’s main water valve is

In case of a major incident such a frozen pipe that has burst, you need to shut off water supply to your entire home. Everyone in your home should know where the main shutoff valve is located, and how to turn it off in case of emergency. This is the best protection against a catastrophic water damage.

Water damage is a Colorado homeowner’s worse nightmare.  Whether it comes from a leaky pipe, malfunctioning appliance, burst pipe or a devastating storm, just the thought of water flooding your home is enough to make a homeowner shudder. Luckily, it can be prevented.

Use these tips to minimize the risk of flooding or water damage to your Denver Colorado home this winter.

Prevent frozen pipes

Frozen pipes are no fun. They can cost thousands of dollars in damage, not to mention the risk of mold and microbial growth. 

Pipes in crawl spaces, attics and outside walls are vulnerable to freezing and bursting during the winter months. Water freezes and expands when the temperatures dip below freezing. Since the pipes are rigid, they are likely to burst when there’s too much expansion.

Insulate the pipes that are exposed to cold air. Make sure all the pipes, including the corners and elbows are protected. Also, keep the faucet open during extreme cold weather to release pressure moving down the pipe. This can help reduce the risk of bursting due to frozen pipes. If you are going on vacation, and the weather is very cold outside, we recommend that you leave the heat on in your home.

Check your water heater

Water heaters have an average lifespan of about 8 to 12 years. But if not properly cared for, sediments can build up inside the tank and corrode. Eventually, this may cause your water heater to leak or overflow.

A leaking water heater can cause massive damage. To prevent this from happening, check your water heater periodically for pooling water on the stand it rests on or on the top of the tank. Also, check for moisture surrounding the plumbing connections.

Clean gutters

Cleaning gutters is an easy job to put off. What people fail to realize is that this simple task can actually prevent future water damage.

Your gutter works by directing water away from your home’s foundation. But if there’s a build up of debris in your gutter, it might not be able to do its job properly. As a result, water may spill through the roof, into your foundation and down to your basement.

Winter is on its way. For many of us, that means heavy jackets, freezing temps, and snow. It’s time to start getting your Colorado home prepared for the winter months ahead.

Here’s a list of projects you should consider completing before Old Man Winter bears down on your area.

Seal cracks and holes around doors and windows

Any holes or cracks around the doors and windows let lots of cold air in and allow heated air to escape. If left unaddressed, this can cause your heating bill to skyrocket.

Seal the air leaks around your doors and windows to keep cold air from entering your house. Foam weather stripping can help eliminate those air leaks. Rope caulk can effectively seal larger gaps.

Inspect your roof

Your roof essentially protects your entire household. You want to make sure it is in good repair before the temperatures dip.

Visually inspect your roof. One of the easiest ways to spot roof leaks is through your attic. Go to the attic on a sunny day and turn the lights off. Look for small specs of light coming through the shutters. Also, look for streaked or water-stained areas on the beams or roof trusses. If you spot any of these, it is best to call in a professional and have it repaired.

Minor roof damage can lead to leaks and an assortment of problems eventually. Get your roof fixed before the weather turns bad.

Clean the gutter

It is not uncommon for gutters to accumulate leaves and other debris. Clogged gutters can spell trouble for your home. They can allow snow and melting ice to seep into your roof or flood your home’s foundation. This is why it is important to clean and flush out your gutters at least twice a year, preferably in the spring and fall.  

Most people dread getting on the roof to clean the gutters. Keeping your gutters clean is a must to keep them performing properly and protect your roof, walls, and foundation from damage.

Schedule heating maintenance

During the winter, the furnace becomes your most important appliance. It helps keep you and your family warm and toasty despite the frigid weather. That said, you want to make sure that your heating system is up to snuff and ready to roll before winter weather strikes.

Schedule your annual HVAC maintenance to ensure your furnace operates optimally in winter.

During the HVAC inspection, your professional technician will check all parts of the furnace, make repairs and make sure that the system is clean and in good repair. If you put it off until winter, you might have to wait for a long time because a lot of homeowners are also in need of their services.