Sometimes it’s hard to tell when something is wrong with your home. If you’re lucky, the issue is easy to spot and can be taken care of before it turns into a big problem. Unfortunately, a lot of home issues can be easy to overlook. Here are a few silent signs your house has problems:

1. Bubbling in the Ceiling

If you notice any bubbles in your ceiling, this is a sign something is wrong. It is usually an indicator of moisture accumulation from leaking pipes, roof leaks, or other water sources. It can also be a sign your roof needs to be replaced.

Check out any areas where water might be leaking. If you can locate the source, you’ll be able to get the right person in to fix the issue. If a leaky pipe is the source, this could be a straightforward fix or it could reveal larger issues. If there have been unseen leaks for a while, bubbling paint can be a sign you might have mold behind the walls too.

If you can’t find the source, the issue is likely bigger than one leaky pipe. Or, if your roof leaks, it probably will require more work. If this is the case, work with an experienced contractor to fix the issues and ensure quality work to hopefully avoid more problems later.

2. Cracks in the Foundation

A foundation with cracks doesn’t always mean there is a serious issue lurking. Small cracks often are the result of a house settling, which is common after a home is built. However, pay attention to the size and type of cracks to determine the severity of the issue.

Cracks that are bigger than 1/8th of an inch can be one of the signs of structural damage you should not ignore. Cracks with a staircase pattern and horizontal cracks also usually indicate damage. If any of these cracks occur with other problems like sloped floors, windows or doors that are stuck, or bowing walls, they should be taken seriously.

If your home has any of these more serious cracks or you simply want some reassurance, call a contractor or foundation expert to do an assessment. They’ll be able to ascertain if the cracks are serious and what kind of work may be necessary to fix the issue.

3. Cracks in the Walls and Ceiling

Much like foundation cracks, cracks in the wall or ceiling could be the result of a few things. A house settling can cause some small cracking, but if you notice larger cracks, it could indicate too much weight on your ceiling or wall.

If the cracks in your wall or ceiling reveal foundation or structural damage, you will need a professional to fix these issues. It may require some spot treatments or you may need much more extensive work on your home’s foundation and structure.

4. Drafty Doors and Windows

If you notice draftiness around only some windows and doors, it may be a reason to replace your doors or windows. However, be sure to investigate the cause of the draftiness first. Poor installation, the age of the windows or doors, or deteriorating weather stripping can all be contributing factors. However, if most of your windows and doors are drafty, it could be a sign of bigger issues such as foundation or structural damage.

If replacing your weather stripping doesn’t help, you may need to replace your doors and windows with professional installation. However, make sure any foundation or structural issues have been ruled out first. If damage like that is causing problems, new windows or doors will not solve the problem.

5. Soft or Squishy Floors

If you notice your floors have any soft spots, it could be a sign of rot caused by water damage or termite activity. This is also a common sign it’s time to replace your flooring. A professional will need to look under your home to identify the problems and fix them. You may also need to replace the flooring depending on the level of damage. If that’s the case, this is just one of the ways to update your home, which can add value to your home.

6. Increased Energy Bills

While sometimes increased energy bills are because of a change in the rate of utilities, it can also mean something in your home isn’t working right. This could range from an issue with your HVAC system or not enough insulation to cracks in your walls or foundation. This is also how poorly insulated windows and doors can affect your home.

If you’re certain the jump in energy bills isn’t because of a rate increase, new appliances, or extreme weather changes, you should work with a contractor to determine the cause. You may need to redo your insulation, get new windows or doors, or have your home’s structure assessed and fixed. These are also just a few tips to make your home more energy-efficient.

7. Flickering Lights

Another one of the silent signs your house has problems is flickering lights. Unless you’re currently experiencing stormy weather, flickering lights shouldn’t be ignored. But before you call an electrician, check the fixture that is flickering.

Sometimes a bulb is simply loose or needs to be replaced. However, if there are a few lights flickering, this could be an issue with your home’s electrical wiring. An electrician will be able to diagnose the issue and fix the problem by installing new wiring or circuitry.

Maintain and Improve Your Home With Zephyr Thomas

These are just a few silent signs your house has problems. Just like house sounds you should never ignore, you should get anything checked out that feels uncertain. Remember, it’s better to get things checked out and get things repaired early on rather than ignore issues that can cause big problems later. If you have any concerns, Zephyr Thomas Home Improvement is here to help. Contact us at 717-399-4708 to schedule your free estimate!