8 Areas Where Hidden Water Damage or Mold can Affect the Value of Your Home
By Cheryl Boone, Realtor
Seniors are staying in their homes longer, but are they aware of things aging? In order to keep their home’s value up, proper maintenance should be performed. They should be aware of potential health hazards and preventable water and mold damage.
Here are some common house hazards that seniors should be aware of:
1. Hidden mold: Mold can grow in areas of the house that are damp or humid, such as basements, crawl spaces or unused bathrooms. Owners should regularly check these areas for mold growth and address any issues promptly.
2. Leaky faucets: Leaky faucets can lead to water damage and mold growth. Owners should have their faucets and pipes checked regularly, repaired if necessary.
3. Roof leaks: These can cause water damage and mold growth in the attic. Owners should remove any debris from trees and have their roofs inspected regularly, repaired if necessary.
4. Attic issues: Attics can also be a source of mold growth if they are not properly ventilated. Owners should make sure their attic is properly ventilated and check for any signs of mold growth, critters, and shingle repair.
5. Poor drainage: This can cause water damage and mold growth. Make sure downspouts are draining away from the house and that the slope of the land around the house is properly
graded.
6. Clogged outdoor stairs drain: Clogged outdoor stairs drain can cause water damage to the basement. Homeowners should regularly check their outdoor stairs for debris and make sure
the drain is clear.
7. Improper dryer venting: Improper venting or slipped dryer hose can cause a fire hazard and poor indoor air quality. Owners should make sure their dryer is properly vented to the outside
and cleaned out yearly.
8. Ice maker line, toilet, sinks, and washer lines: Should be a non-burst silver braided line like the
washer hoses. Leaks from lines can lie undetected for weeks if not months if no one is going in
the basement.
Very important: Smoke detectors and carbon dioxide detectors should be a 10 year detector whether it is hard wired or not. Proper placement in each bedroom, stairwell, hallway, entry door to garage, kitchen, basement, etc. should be checked yearly.
In addition to these specific hazards, seniors should also be aware of general indoor air quality issues, such as dust and allergens. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help prevent these issues and keep the home safe and healthy.
Article submitted to MSRN by Cheryl Boone, Realtor and MSRN Member:
https://www.mdseniorresource.org/services-directory/838/coldwell-banker-cheryl-boone/
Article submitted to MSRN by Cheryl Boone, Realtor and MSRN Member:https://www.mdseniorresource.org/services-directory/838/coldwell-banker-cheryl-boone/
