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COMMON ISSUES IN OLDER HOMES
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Older homes
can be full of charm and character, but they may also have
worn out systems and components - anything from ancient
water heaters to sagging floors. The specific issues that
will affect your older residence will depend on how well the
home has been maintained. If the home has been well cared
for you should only expect to perform some minor repairs,
but in the majority of cases at least one major system may
need updating. Read on to get acquainted with some of the
most common issues associated with older homes.
I.
Plumbing
in an older home is usually a mix of old and new materials
and the type you have determines how long it's good for.
Cast iron piping can pit or crack as it corrodes from the
inside out. Iron and lead pipes can fill up and clog with
mineral deposits. These individual sections have different
periods of efficiency and should be replaced as needed.
Unless the home has had its plumbing gutted recently, you
can count on updating at least some of the piping and
fixtures.
II.
Energy inefficiency
is common in older homes. The best way to save energy is to
cut down on convective heat loss, which occurs when warm
household air flows through gaps like those around windows
or the chimney of a fireplace. This means weather stripping
doors and windows, and caulking gaps. If drafts become a
serious issue, consider replacing windows and doors and
checking fireplace dampers.
III.
Wood Floors
can really show the signs of age - anything from cracks, to
burn spots, to loose boards. Each home has to be evaluated
on a case by case basis to determine the difference between
a cosmetic problem and a significant repair. If there is
enough wood thickness to sand the floors and refinish, it's
a cosmetic issue. If you have a sagging floor that can no
longer support its own weight, it will need to be replaced.
IV.
Roofing.
Many old roofs are a patch work of repairs and additions of
different ages and materials. It's common practice to add
layers of asphalt shingles over an old roof, but eventually
this practice can cause the roof to sag. Make sure that your
roof undergoes a careful inspection if you're in need of
repairs, you'll avoid burying the problem. To learn more
about the issue that affect older homes please contact you
local Pillar To Post office. |
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Keith
Alltucker
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