As a homeowner in Calgary, Airdrie, Cochrane, or Chestermere, you know how crucial regular home checks are. Our unique climate, with its freeze-thaw cycles and seasonal moisture, can put serious stress on key parts of your home. Ignoring small issues can lead to big, costly repairs down the road.
At Crack & Attic Doctor, we often find that many big problems could have been caught early. This is why we’ve put together a simple, comprehensive checklist. It covers the three most common and critical areas: your foundation, attic, and signs of mold.
A regular check-up of these areas helps you protect your biggest investment and keep your family safe.
Part 1: Your Foundation Inspection Checklist 🧐🧱
Your foundation is your home’s backbone. Issues here can affect your entire house.
- Walk Around the Outside:
- Foundation Cracks: Look for any cracks in the concrete or brick. Are they thin (hairline, vertical)? Or wide (horizontal, stair-step)? Horizontal cracks are always a big concern.
- Parging: Is the finish on your foundation wall chipping or flaking off?
- Drainage: Does water flow away from your house? Or does it pool near the foundation? Check your downspouts; do they extend far enough?
- Chimney/Porch: Is your chimney or porch straight? Or is it leaning or pulling away from the house?
- Check the Basement/Crawl Space:
- Interior Cracks: Look for cracks on basement walls or floors.
- Dampness/Water Stains: Do you see any wet spots, standing water, or water stains on walls or floors? Even old stains mean past leaks.
- Musty Smells: Does your basement smell damp or earthy? This can point to hidden moisture or mold.
- Bowing/Bulging Walls: Are any basement walls pushing inward? This is a serious sign of outside pressure.
- Sticky Doors/Windows: Do basement doors or windows stick or not close properly?
Part 2: Your Attic Inspection Checklist 🌬️ insulation
Your attic protects your home from the elements. It also helps with heating and cooling.
- From the Attic Hatch (or safely enter if possible):
- Insulation: Is the insulation even and thick? Are there bare spots? Is it wet, compressed, or clumpy? Wet insulation can’t do its job.
- Mold/Stains: Look for any black, white, or green spots on the wood (rafters, roof sheathing). Are there any dark water stains?
- Vents: Are your soffit vents (along the edges of the roof) clear? Are roof vents blocked by insulation or debris? Proper airflow is key.
- Light: Do you see any light coming in from the roof? This means a hole or a leak.
- Pests: Look for signs of mice, squirrels, or other pests. They can damage insulation and wiring.
- Condensation/Frost (Winter): In cold months, check for frost or water drops on the underside of the roof. This means too much moisture.
Part 3: Mold Signs Checklist (Anywhere in Your Home) 🦠😷
Mold can grow anywhere moisture is present. Be vigilant.
- Smell: Do you notice a persistent, musty, earthy smell, even if you can’t see mold? This is often the first sign.
- Visible Growth: Look for fuzzy, slimy, or discolored patches (black, green, white, gray, orange) on walls, ceilings, floors, or around windows.
- Water Stains: Any unexplained water stains on walls or ceilings can be a sign of a leak and potential hidden mold.
- Health Symptoms: Are family members having unexplained allergies, asthma flair-ups, coughing, or skin irritation when at home? Mold can cause these issues.
- Dampness: Are certain areas of your home always damp to the touch? This is a mold risk.
What to Do If You Find a Problem 🚨
If you spot any red flags during your inspection, don’t wait. Early action can save you from bigger problems and higher costs.
Crack & Attic Doctor is your trusted local expert for comprehensive home solutions. We specialize in:
- Foundation Crack Repair
- Attic Repair & Ventilation Solutions
- Professional Mold Treatment & Remediation
We proudly serve homeowners across Calgary, Cochrane, Airdrie, Chestermere, Conrich, Okotoks, and High River.
📞 Need an Expert Opinion? Get Your Free Estimate Today!
- Call Us: (403)-321-2623
- Email Us: crackandatticdoctor@gmail.com
- Get Your Free Quote Now: https://cracknattic.ca/get-free-quote-for-cracks-repair-service/ (Specify your concern!)
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