Have you ever wondered what secrets your home might be keeping from you? Those familiar walls that you see every day might hold more than you think. So, let’s put on our detective hats and uncover what’s lurking behind the plaster.
The Unseen Guest: Asbestos
First things first, let’s talk about asbestos. According to the latest studies, around 1.5 million homes in the UK have an asbestos problem. Popular in homes built before the 2000s because of its fire-resistant and insulating properties, asbestos turned out to be not such a great houseguest. Breathing in asbestos fibres can lead to severe health problems like lung cancer and mesothelioma – scary, but it’s something companies like abruss.co.uk are trained to remove. If your home was built before the 2000s, you might want to consider an asbestos survey. It’s no joke – around 20,000 people a year die from asbestos-related diseases.
The Tiny Intruders: Bugs
Next up, bugs! Yep, you read that right. Your walls might be home to a whole bunch of uninvited guests, like termites, ants, cockroaches, and the odd spider. Termites are the real bad guys here. Termites are like the mobsters of the insect world. They’re organised and relentless, and they’ll eat you out of house and home – literally! These little critters love to chew through wood, wallpaper, and even some types of insulation. And what’s worse, they operate silently and can go undetected for years, causing serious structural damage.
But termites aren’t the only unwelcome tenants. Ants can set up colonies in your walls, especially carpenter ants that like to tunnel through wood to build their nests. And cockroaches? These creepers love the dark, moist environment that walls can offer. Besides being total gross-outs, cockroaches can cause allergies and worsen asthma symptoms, especially in children.
Hidden Maintenance Nightmares: Poor Electrical and Plumbing
And let’s not forget about the potential for hidden electrical or plumbing issues. Old, faulty wiring or leaky pipes can exist undetected for years, leading to bigger problems down the line. According to HomeAdvisor, homeowners spend an average of between $500 to $800 on electrician services, while plumbing leaks can waste up to 10,000 gallons of water per home each year. If you’re living in an older property, it may be worth getting these systems checked out.
Issues with plumbing and electricity seem to be more of a problem with newbuild homes, believe it or not. New build homes are being erected at a rate of knots in the UK, with poor design at the expense of speed. Yes, there’s a builder guarantee with most new builds, but who wants to move into a new home and instantly deal with a flooded kitchen?
So there you have it! From health hazards like asbestos, and uninvited guests like bugs, to potential home maintenance nightmares, there’s a lot that could be hiding behind your walls. Remember, if you suspect any serious issues, it’s always best to contact a professional. Your home is your castle, after all, so it’s worth keeping it in tip-top shape.