Cladding problems

Cladding problems
FAMILY HANDYMAN

Any cladding issue could come up in negotiations as a repair item because of the potential problems poor cladding can lead to. Any holes in the cladding expose your home to a host of moisture issues. I

Learn from the biggest regrets of first home buyers.

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Asbestos

Asbestos
Shutterstock

If you’re buying an old home, it’s probably safe to assume that you’re buying a home contains some products that have asbestos in them. In most cases, it’s not a big deal. Asbestos doesn’t do any harm as long as it remains intact and nobody breathes in the asbestos fibres. But if you are planning to do renovations, any asbestos will need to be removed by a trained professional, and the cost can be significant. Be sure to consider this when factoring in a sale price.

Discover three killer hazards for the unwary home renovator

Water damage around windows

Water damage around windows
Structure Tech

If water is actually leaking in to the house around the opening for the window at the cladding, this will typically show up as staining at the corners of the window sills. (Here’s how to handle any potential mould issues.) A home inspector could use a moisture meter to help determine if the stains are currently damp. — Reuben Saltzman, Structure Tech

Bath fan venting to attic or roof space

Bath fan venting to attic or roof space
Structure Tech

Bathroom exhaust fans should vent to the outside – either through the roof or the side of the house – not into the attic. Stick your head into the attic or roof space to see how yours is vented. Venting the warm, moist air into the attic can cause rotting in the roof framing and sheathing, and may not properly rid the bathroom of moisture, leading to mould and mildew.

Melted grommets on water heater

Melted grommets on water heater
FAMILY HANDYMAN

What it means: Deadly gases may be entering your home Exhaust from a gas water heater is supposed to flow through a duct and out of the house. But sometimes, exhaust doesn’t flow up and out. Instead, it “backdrafts,” spilling deadly carbon monoxide into the air you breathe. One sign of backdrafting is damaged plastic grommets on top of the water heater, melted by the hot exhaust. This shows that your water heater has backdrafted badly on at least one occasion – and you must take action.

Here are 20 hidden things in your home that may be a fire hazard.

Leaking wall

Leaking wall

A leaking wall like this will turn into a complete bathroom remodel in a hurry.

Learn how to plan a bathroom renovation.

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Source: Family Handyman

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