Older homes are popular among many because they are a part of history, often being constructed using materials and methods that are no longer used in modern times. They have the same appeal as vintage jewelry, clothing, automobiles and art. If the property was passed down as part of an inheritance, it is a part of your family’s legacy, one you will want to maintain. However, older properties are subject to problems with the roof and other issues that come with age, and below are some of the most common to watch for.
Worn Out Radiators
Radiators are subject to wear, which will result in them not being able to pump heat efficiently into the entire house. If you wonder why some rooms are warm and cozy during winter, while others aren’t, an aging radiator is the likely culprit.
Aging Electrical Units
This is a serious issue, one that can become dangerous if it’s not resolved. Electrical units and wiring that become worn have an increased risk of both fire and electrocution, especially if the wiring in the insulation becomes cracked and frayed. Many classical houses use aluminum wiring or circuit breakers, both of which will wear out over time. The good news about electrical problems is that you will see warning signs, such as lights that flicker, circuit breakers which trip and wires that display fraying. If you witness any of these issues you’d be wise to contact an electrician.
Poor Insulation
This is one of the most common issues you’ll encounter in older properties. Many of the oldest houses were built with no insulation at all, as the technology simply didn’t exist at the time; while others were built with insulation that compared to today’s standards is rudimentary. It is easy to tell when a home has poor or nonexistent insulation because during the four seasons you will experience temperature extremes.
During summer, it will be extremely hot and during winter it will be extremely cold. This is because without insulation the house is unable to trap heat during the winter months or keep it outside during summer. This means that your energy bills will be extremely high as you will have to use more energy keeping yourself cool or warm. Traditionally, installing insulation into older houses was a costly, time consuming process due to the fact that it required the removal of the drywall so that the insulation layer could be installed.
Fortunately the insulation blow-in technique was developed, which gets around the problem as it doesn’t require drywall to be removed. The blow-in technique merely requires a few smaller holes to be drilled into the wall, after which the insulation can be pumped in through them. While the fiberglass technique is still more efficient, blow-in is more affordable.
Insufficient Storage Space
Older houses were built during eras were no one had conceived of the idea of a walk in closet. Creating such space using traditional methods can be expensive. However, one cost effective method to produce the necessary space is by finding space for storage in areas of the property that are unexpected, such as under windows, where cabinets can be installed.