Homeowners deal with different challenges, but those living in Idaho may have distinct problems.
In the list below, state homeowners will learn the top three common issues to watch out for. They will also know the possible solutions for each.
1. Control Soil Erosion
What is soil erosion? It is a gradual displacement of the topmost layer of the soil, which is usually nutrient-rich. It usually occurs due to many factors, such as human activity, water runoffs, and lack of trees or plants to hold the soil.
Homeowners may have to consider some erosion control in Idaho because it is a lingering problem in the state. According to its Soil and Water Conservation Commission, as early as 1939, it affected about 50% of the land.
Preventive measures are essential as erosion can also bring sediments or debris that may end up polluting the nearby waters and reservoirs. For those living near the slopes or the hillsides, then it can increase the risk of rockslides. Meanwhile, the ones who live in farms may need soil erosion control to keep the land as fertile as possible.
2. Check and Repair Foundations
On March 31, a magnitude 6.5 earthquake shook Idaho, and it was strong enough to cause an avalanche. Although it’s been over 30 years since the last vigorous shake, the state is not immune to land movements. In fact, it is prone to mid-tectonic plates. The state also has plenty of volcanoes, of which some are active.
Idaho homeowners may then need to check their foundation regularly. They may even have to call for professional help as soon as possible if they can spot the following:
- Cracks or fractures on the walls and floors
- Sinking or upheaval
- Growing gap between the floor and the bottom of the door
- Uneven flooring
A regular checkup will also prevent them from a costlier problem: having to replace the foundations.
3. Get Rid of Termites
Like other states, many homes in Idaho, especially those in the Treasure Valley region, deal with a termite infestation. These insects are usually subterranean, which means they thrive in underground colonies. They also build structures called mud tubes to protect themselves from the air and connect to the food source.
Because they can be sneaky, it may take a while before homeowners can detect their presence. Sadly, by the time they do so, they may have already caused significant damage to the property.
Although homeowners cannot eliminate these insects permanently from their natural environment, they can do something to prevent them from entering the home:
- Seal gaps in the house.
- Create a barrier between the foundation of the house and the mulch.
- Reduce moisture.
- Treat wood.
- Remove plants, cardboards, much, and wood near the foundation.
- Watch out for the buildup of mud tubes.
- Fix cracks.
- Call for professional help. Termite exterminators usually conduct inspections first to check the best treatment.
Termites tend to breed as the temperature increases. Now is the best time to implement the strategies mentioned while summer is still a month or two away.
There are many issues that Idaho homeowners do not have any control of: soil erosion, termite breeding, and earthquakes. But they can do something to minimize the effects of these problems in their property and stop themselves from spending more money on repairs.
