Spotting and Sorting Out Subsidence Problems Around Your Home

Spotting subsidence problemsMany people worry about the long term costs and safety of buying a house with subsidence. Subsidence refers to unstable building foundations which cause parts of the structure to slowly sink downwards. As with all building issues, levels of subsidence vary greatly, with home owners having to endure great costs and distress in more severe cases. If you are a landlord, subsidence is never a welcome sign for functional property management, so if you suspect your property has subsidence or the problem is getting worse, spotting the signs early may help you avoid larger worries down the road.

Causes

The most common causes of subsidence are due to geological, natural causes. Clay soils are a common culprit for the problem as they lock in moisture for long periods of time which then causes it to expand. Once dried, it then shrinks, making the foundations of a building unstable. These soils are usually found along river banks so the location of your property can be a crucial factor in subsidence risk. Look for signs of subsidence after a long wet or dry spell. Tree roots can also dry out this clay and create a problem to a structure as the roots grow out of control. This accounts for more than half of all subsidence cases so it is important to maintain or chop down a large tree close to your property. Uneven soils also add to the issue, especially in areas which witness earthquakes and tremors on minor and major fault lines.

Spotting subsidence problems

 

Spotting subsidence

The key thing you should look for when spotting signs of subsidence are cracks. It can sometimes be hard to differentiate a subsidence crack to one which has been the simple result of time and seasonal changes such as frost. Look for interior and exterior cracks which taper diagonally downwards across wall surfaces. Another sign is to look for changes in wallpaper. Once you have ruled out damp as the cause, subsidence should be the next worry. Many cracks are hidden by wallpaper, so as the levels of your walls shift; ripples and hanging corners may appear in the paper. If these signs are spotted, also test your doors and windows in their frames to check for alterations. Unfortunately, monitoring your house for subsidence can be a lengthy process which is frustrating as the sooner the problem gets sorted, the less money and time you will have to spend on treating the problem.

How to repair subsidence problems

How to treat subsidence

Actually treating the problem of subsidence can be the most lengthy and distressful stage of the whole process if the issue goes unnoticed for some time.

The process of underpinning the entire structure may have to be implemented in the most severe cases which can cost homeowners thousands of pounds. The majority of properties with subsidence will not need to be fixed with such extreme lengths but it is always best to get your home thoroughly assessed. Although underpinning is a costly fix, the likelihood of subsidence is usually minimal, which will help towards insuring your property. Insuring a property with subsidence can be arduous although there are now many comparison websites which research the best deals for you.

Roots causing subsidence problem

In terms of tree roots, you will need the advice of an expert as to whether removing the roots from under the property will be a quick solution or a detriment to the project. Over the years, major root networks will have shifted the soil to create space. Once the roots are taken away, this space may soon fill up with water, which will add to your structural problems.

Another cause of unwanted water under your home is a burst or leaking pipe. Once this problem is determined, mending this can be a quick fix.

 

 

 

How to Repair Smoke Damage in Your Kitchen

Smoke damage in kitchen of Brampton homeSmoke damage can be very difficult to clean up.  Smoke has the ability to embed itself into just about anything in your home, leaving a nasty (and lasting) odor throughout your home.  If you’ve ever been inside a home after a fire, even a minor one, you know what I mean.

Smoke is actually hot air polluted with contaminants like oil and ash. These settle on ceilings, walls and horizontal surfaces creating a smelly, dirty mess. If the problem is widespread you may like to consider calling for assistance from a smoke remediation specialist, an HVAC duct cleaning company and a general cleaning firm. If the damage is minor and you have the time and patience then these tips should help you to get started.

Tip 1 – Open all the doors and windows. Read to the bottom of the page to figure out what you’re going to need. While you’re at the hardware store purchasing your requirements remember to include a generous supply of protective gloves and two pairs of masks and goggles.

Tip 2 – Rent yourself a couple of industrial fans. Position them in the middle of the room and run them for 24 hours to clear any residual smoke. While you’re waiting, adjust your masks and goggles to ensure a tight fit and get used to wearing them.

Tip 3 – Vacuum up the soot and dirt. Take your time and remove as much as possible as this will simplify cleaning surfaces later. Always work from below the dirt or from the nearside of it to avoid drawing it towards you. If it’s still wet, try to avoid spreading stains.

Tip 4 – Wash your mask and goggles, rinse them thoroughly and hang them out to dry. Put the other set on plus a fresh set of gloves. Remove anything that’s damaged beyond repair and store it somewhere that simplifies taking it to the tip.

Tip 5 – Wipe all the surfaces with a damp cloth remembering to rinse it frequently and change the water regularly. Take your time again. Your mission is to remove the residue, not spread it around.

Tip 6 – Add a tablespoon of tri-sodium phosphate to a bucket of warm water and repeat the exercise. A vinegar spray can help with stubborn stains but be careful of over-wetting chip or drywall as this can soak in and encourage mold. You are now in a position to start repairing the damage and recovering your home.

Tip 7 – Ask your insurance company for consent to replace any carpets, curtains and soft furnishings. Trust me, you will not get them properly clean and they will stink forever. Strip off any wallpaper as the same applies.

Tip 8 – Prime walls with oil-based stain blocking primer. Repeat until all stains have disappeared. Add a final coat to make doubly sure. After that you can safely over paint with the medium of your choice.

Tip 9 – Install replacement fittings and carpets. Hang new curtains and position new furniture. The job’s done. You got your house back and you did it all yourself!

This sounds like a lot of hard work and it surely is. Like I said earlier, there are smoke remediation specialists, HVAC duct cleaning companies, and general cleaning firms all over town. If you have fire damage insurance, you can opt to have a professional service come in and restore your home and it’s contents, or just start over again.

 

 

 

 

The WD-40 Homeowners Survival Guide [infographic]

using wd40 around the houseIf there is one product every basement and garage in North America has on hand, it’s most likely WD-40.  The “Blue Standby” has become as essential as duct tape in helping the resident handyman fix everything from a rusted bolt that refuses to turn, to our children’s bicycles after a long Toronto Winter.

WD-40 is a water dis-placer (WD) that helps to remove moisture (and keep rust away) from hundreds of household items.  Over the years, the uses for WD-40 have gone beyond home repairs.  Crayola Crayons recommends using WD-40 regular crayon marks from everyday surfaces and a bus driver once used a can to loosen a Python that coiled itself around the undercarriage of his bus.

Below is a great infographic from the makers of WD-40.  It’s a survival guide of everyday problem solving with your handy can of old blue.

Using wd-40 for everyday use