5 Common Dangers In Old Houses
- Clay Pipes. Houses constructed in the 1930s-1950s often used underground pipes for drainage. ...
- Asbestos. An expansion or remodeling project can be very exciting, however this task can prove to be a lengthy project where unexpected prices can quickly add up.
- Galvanized Plumbing. ...
- Non-Grounded Outlets. ...
- Lead Paint. ...
Are there any problems with an old house?
Homes age slowly, and most of the potential problems noted in this story gradually accrue. Continuous maintenance can greatly impact a home’s life, as can the original quality of construction, but the older a home is, the more likely you are to find issues impacting its livability and even safety.
Are older homes more dangerous to live in?
While older homes have a certain charm, it’s no secret that there are more dangers associated with them. Many times the most alarming risks involve the types of materials used in the construction.
What are the most common health hazards in older homes?
Even well-maintained older homes can present problems that owners of newer homes simply don’t need to deal with. These include health hazards such as asbestos and mold, serious pest problems that can lead to structural issues, and issues with utility systems like wiring and plumbing. 1. Lead and Asbestos
Is your home at risk of damage?
Part of owning a home is having to deal with both major and minor issues, and, while older homes may be prone to a lot of problems, any house can be at risk of damage. It’s important to make your home a healthy place to live without compromising its authentic, one-of-a-kind style.
What is toxic in old houses?
When it comes to toxic materials in older houses, there are three primary materials to be concerned with: lead, asbestos, and radon. Other toxic and unhealthy materials and conditions could be present in older houses, such as mold, or formaldehyde, but this blog will focus exclusively on lead, asbestos, and radon.
Why you shouldn't buy an old house?
Things can get expensive—fast Old homes are certainly sturdy—they wouldn't have lasted as long as they have without true expertise in their construction—but they're also potentially ripe with little problems (or big problems) that can put any renovation plans on the backburner.
Is it worth buying a 100 year old house?
It can be perfectly safe to buy a 100 year old house. On the surface, there's absolutely nothing wrong with buying a 100-year-old home. Still, you should be wary of structural issues and other problems associated with aged houses, such as lead paint and pest problems.
What can be wrong with an old house?
Even well-maintained older homes can present problems that owners of newer homes simply don't need to deal with. These include health hazards such as asbestos and mold, serious pest problems that can lead to structural issues, and issues with utility systems like wiring and plumbing.
Are older homes better quality?
Old homes have better-quality construction Even the walls are likely different. In an older home they're probably built with plaster and lathe, making them structurally stronger than the drywall construction of modern homes. These older materials also provide a better sound barrier and insulation.
Is it OK to buy 20 years old house?
While the fact that a house is over 20 years old should certainly not discourage you from buying it, there are still some things that you should know. Current laws dictate certain regulations in newly-built residences. These include important measures for safety and energy efficiency.
How long can a house last?
Residential buildings normally last between 70 and 100 years.
Is it worth fixing an old house?
Fixing up a house can be profitable, but investing a few hundred dollars in repairs and upgrades may not add thousands of dollars of value to your home. In fact, the average return on your remodeling investment is 20 percent or 30 percent less than you spend.
Are older houses worth more?
Although you may pay for their charm and individuality, these old homes still cost significantly less upfront than their newer counterparts. The price of a newly built home is often higher than that of an older home by a staggering 30% or more.
Can old houses collapse?
The answer is yes, however, it is also not that simple. It can take years to develop a serious foundational issue that would cause your home to collapse. In most cases, if it does, it's concentrated on a specific area of the home.
Can a 100 year old house still settle?
Some minor settlement is normal. Old houses usually have settled as much as they ever will, unless there is some other cause, such as erosion, causing it. It does happen, though.
What age house is best to buy?
There is an ideal age to buy your first home, and that's between the ages of 25 to 34. As you enter your golden years and (hopefully) retirement, the equity in your home will become even more important to your financial health, especially should you need to refinance to cover any gaps in your retirement savings.
What should I look for when buying a house in 1900?
If a house is from 1900, pipes have probably been replaced at least once already, but it's very likely that you'll have old, rotting cast iron drain pipes, corroded copper water lines, and sometimes even gas lines that are done unsafely.
Is it better to buy an old house or a new?
Higher price: The modern layouts and conveniences of a new house don't come cheap. You'll likely pay a higher price than you would if you chose an older house. However, you may find that the price per square foot is less for a new home. Potential HOA fees: Newer neighborhoods tend to have amenities like pools and gyms.
What should I look for when buying an old house?
During the buying process, make sure you watch out for these five potential problem areas in older homes.Old or substandard electrical and plumbing. ... Radon. ... Hazardous materials. ... Foundation or structural concerns. ... Dysfunctional smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
How long does a house foundation last?
Expect a well-built foundation to last as long as 400 to 500 years, while a less sound foundation could last as short as 25 years.
What is a carefully curated list of houses?
When looking for the perfect house, a carefully curated list is often created by buyers. From knowing they’ll only be house hunting in historic neighborhoods or buying a house with crown molding or possibly searching for a big bay window in the dining room, the little details can really make or break the final sale.
Why are clay sewer pipes broken?
While it’s possible for any form of piping to succumb to some damage, clay sewer pipes are especially susceptible to tree root invasion, which causes harmful blockages. When constructed, these pipes were fused together from odd lengthed pieces, eventually being the reason for large breaks or cracks over time.
Is it important to live in an older house?
Part of owning a home is having to deal with both major and minor issues, and, while older homes may be prone to a lot of problems , any house can be at risk of damage. It’s important to make your home a healthy place to live without compromising its authentic, one-of-a-kind style.
Is it dangerous to build an older home?
While older homes have a certain charm, it’s no secret that there are more dangers associated with them. Many times the most alarming risks involve the types of materials used in the construction. Whether you already own an older home or you’re in the market for one, it’s important to understand the risks associated with home construction throughout the decades. This level of knowledge can ensure the health of those you love whom occupy that space.
Is plumbing outdated in 1950s?
If your home was built before or during the 1950s, it’s quite possible the plumbing is outdated if it hasn’t already been replaced. Oftentimes, homes from the first half of the 19th century have plumbing systems created from galvanized pipes, popular due to their zinc coating which prevents rust from forming. Over time, however, the inside of these pipes become corroded with sediment buildup which will slow down the water pressure and limit ideal functionality.
How many pre-1940 buildings have lead?
In fact, the older the building, the more likely it is to have lead. According to HUD: 90% of pre-1940 buildings have lead. 80% of pre-1960 and, 62% of pre-1978 buildings have lead. The most typical places you’ll find lead paint is on trim and moldings (doors, windows, baseboards, etc.).
Do old homes have ground wires?
Also, most old homes do not have a ground wire running to outlets and fixtures. Though not a real danger, it does afford a certain amount of stability and protection versus this outdated method. If in doubt, have a professional electrician come check out your home.
Is a ballon frame dangerous?
Most people don’t even know what a ballon frame is, let alone the dangers it can pose. By itself, a ballon frame is not dangerous. Balloon framing was a type of house construction used for a short period from the late 1800s – 1930s before most builders moved to today’s standard of platform framing.
Can a balloon framed house block fire?
The problem with a balloon framed house is that it doesn’t provide fire blocking. A balloon framed house, especially one without insulation in the walls, can allow a fire that starts in the basement to spread through the house and all the way into the attic in record time compared to a platform or timber framed house.
Is lead pipe dangerous?
Most likely, you will not have lead pipes which pose the greatest danger. The lead soldering and other trace areas where lead was used on other pipes is usually not a threat. However, to give you peace of mind, you can always test your water supply with home test kits.
Is asbestos dangerous?
When it was first introduced, asbestos was hailed as a miracle product. It is made from naturally occurring minerals and is completely fireproof, extremely durable, an excellent insulator and very lightweight. Unfortunately, it can also be deadly if ingested.
Is asbestos safe to use in a house?
Asbestos is generally safe as long as it is not disturbed. If you have some in your house, you ’re best to leave it alone if it is in good condition. However, crumbling and worn out asbestos products are a real hazard that MUST be dealt with immediately by a contractor who is licensed and trained in asbestos abatement. If there is a question in your mind about whether something contains asbestos, you should call a trained professional. This stuff is not to be handled by anyone but the pros.
What are the common defects in a house?
Missing or broken roof tiles and flashing, leaking or faulty rainwater pipes and guttering, faulty joints between doors and windows, and missing or cracked pointing in the brickwork are all common defects that can often go ignored. If you’re looking to purchase an older property, make sure you scan these areas for signs of defects. If building materials have suffered damage and have not had the proper repairs carried out, they will not work in the way in which they were designed to do.
What happens if you put damp on a wall?
In extreme conditions, damp can also cause organic materials to biodegrade, compromising the structural integrity of your building.
How to tell if a wall is damp?
A watermark appearing on internal walls is often the first sign of penetrating damp. The damp patch is likely to grow as the water continues to enter and is likely to get worse following periods of heavy rainfall. Another early indicator of penetrating damp is droplets of water appearing on internal walls which will vary depending on the severity of the problem.
Why is floor wood rotting?
Timber, notably floor timbers, are particularly at risk of rotting when there is a complete lack of ventilation. Rotten wood can be a huge structural issue that could cost thousands to rectify, not to mention the significant disruption that would be incurred trying to fix it.
Can old plumbing fail?
Materials can deteriorate over time and if not maintained correctly, can go on to fail. Old plumbing and pipework is no exception.
Do old buildings have charm?
There is no doubt that old buildings carry a certain charm and appeal. And if you’re looking at purchasing one for your family home or your business, there are some real risks you need to consider before parting with your cash.
Is it safe to use old electrics?
And old electrics and wiring bring with them their own dangers. While the electrics are safe as in they would have met regulations at the time of installation, that’s not the only concern. Many buildings built before 1984 didn’t use earth cables and they often had aluminium wire rather copper.
How many homes have radon?
The EPA estimates that one in 15 U.S. homes has a high level of radon, and testing is the only way to find out a home’s radon levels.
Is lead paint harmful?
In its solid form, interior and exterior lead paint is not considered harmful as long as it isn’t ingested, such as a toddler chewing on a window sill. In most cases, interior paint has been painted over many times and is well encapsulated in a Latex-based paint.
Is an OID home dangerous?
OId homes often have lots of character and charm, but unfortunately, they can also be hazardous to your health. If you’re thinking about buying that beautiful Victorian with the gingerbread trim or perhaps an antebellum Greek revival, there are a lot of things to consider.
Can mold grow in a house?
While any home can potentially have mold, particularly in moist climates, older homes may be more prone to this issue as they may not be as well sealed (mold tends to grow in areas where condensation occurs, and that is typically near leaky areas of the house).
What are the problems with older homes?
Home inspections of older homes usually uncover some of the following issues: Hazardous Building Materials – such as lead paint and asbestos. Foundation and Structural Problems – such as foundation, termite, and water damage. Electrical Problems – old electrical systems and subpar work.
What happens to a house as it ages?
Age catches up with even the best-built houses. As the house ages, settlement and deterioration can take a toll on a home. Settlement occurs naturally and happens to every house. Unevenness in the floors and cracks in the exterior and interior walls result from either excessive foundation settlement, deterioration of the masonry piers, or damage to the wood structure.
Why is home insurance so expensive?
Homeowners insurance is usually more expensive on older homes due to condition and replacement cost.
How long do breaker panels last?
Breaker panels also have limitations. Breaker panels have a lifespan of 60-70 years. However, many of these breaker panels are severely undersized and should be upgraded.
What are the things that are typically noted in a home inspection?
Foundation issues and structural problems can be repaired if caught early. However, one of the things typically noted in a home inspection is repair work that wasn’t done using good building practices.
How to tell if a house has termites?
Signs of termite activity include mud tubes on piers and foundation walls, buckling floors, bouncy floors, water damage, and peeling paint. Look for excrement along the windows, baseboards, and other wood trim resembling sawdust. This is a sign that the house may have an active termite problem.
Why is it important to have a thorough home inspection?
A thorough home inspection can provide you with a wealth of knowledge about potential problems to help you make an informed buying decision.
What is considered an older home?
First, just what is an older home? That’s hard to define. Anything 30 years or older definitely qualifies as an older home, in which some of the following problems may materialize, but clearly there is no magic number.
How does continuous maintenance affect a home?
Continuous maintenance can greatly impact a home’s life, as can the original quality of construction, but the older a home is, the more likely you are to find issues impacting its livability and even safety. Foundation issues.
What are some examples of old world charm?
Outdated layouts. Petite kitchens, tiny bedrooms, narrow hallways and ladder-like stairways are all examples of old-world charm, but keep in mind there may be reasons the modern age left these trends in the rearview mirror. If you’re planning to update an old home’s design, be sure to seek the advice of both an architect and a builder before jumping in. A good architect can tell you what can be done, while a good builder can estimate what that conceptual plan might cost.
How to check if a foundation is hard?
You can inspect the foundation for chipping and flaking, and if you see any, use a screwdriver to confirm the hardness of the concrete.
Can termites be in the attic?
Infestations. Don’t call the ghost hunters just yet. You may hear footsteps in the attic, but believe it or not, a spectral being may not be responsible. Termites are a possibility, for sure, but other lovely pests often harboring in nooks and crannies of old homes include bees, wasps, ants, birds and rodents of every kind. These critters can do serious damage to the structural integrity of a home, as well as to the mechanical systems. Signs of rodents should be investigated thoroughly underfloor and in the attic.
Is underfloor drainage needed for a 50 year old home?
Issues usually do not materialize in just a few years, but if your home is 50 or more years old, the perimeter and underfloor drainage is likely laughably insufficient by today’s standards, and unless it has been resolved and updated, is very likely to pose a problem at some point — if it hasn’t already. For many older homes, perimeter and underfloor drainage was not provided at all.
1. Old Houses Have Drafty Windows
Those cursed drafty windows will make you shiver in the winter and throw hundreds of dollars out the window trying to heat your house right? Wrong. Age is not a determination of a drafty window. A drafty window is a drafty window no matter what the age of the house.
2. Old Houses Have More Issues With Rot
The thinking on this myth goes like this: old houses are made of wood and wood rots; therefore old houses have more issues with rot. While it is true that old houses are more often made of wood in America, though there are plenty of brick and stone examples, the wood they are made with is some of the most rot-resistant wood on the planet.
3. Old Houses Have Dangerous Lead Paint
If your house was built before 1978 then you have the chance of lead paint being present. This doesn’t mean it is dangerous. Living in Florida I like to compare lead paint to alligators. Sure it is there and it is a potential danger, but if you don’t mess with it then it usually won’t bother you.
4. Old Houses Are Not Energy Efficient
This myth is a bit deceptive because although it is true by today’s standards it is not comparing things apples to apples. It’s like saying a Porsche is faster than a pick up truck, therefore the Porsche is better. Faster maybe, but not better necessarily.
5. Old Houses are Expensive to Maintain
This myth is another slight of hand. It’s true that maintenance bills can be big on old houses, but the reason is not because the house is old, it’s because of deferred maintenance.
6. Old Houses Have Too Many Restrictions
This one really depends on your individual house. For example, houses listed on the National Register of Historic Places have absolutely no restrictions placed on them contrary to popular beliefs. You can paint it any color you want, remodel it however you want, or even tear it down with no recourse.
What happens to old homes over time?
Over time, nature catches up with even the most solidly built homes. Older homes are prone to a variety of foundation and structural problems, such as:
Why are older homes more convenient?
Because most cities grow outward over time, older homes tend to be located closer to employer- and amenity-rich downtown cores. A convenient location offers many time-saving and healthful benefits, such as shorter commutes (and the opportunity to use public transit or commute by bike) and easier shopping trips.
What Counts As an Older Home?
As a general rule of thumb, homes built after 1990 are considered newer, and homes built before 1920 are considered old or antique. But housing age is a subjective condition that turns on numerous factors, including construction style and quality, local climate and geology, and work done over the life of the home.
What happens if you have a substandard plumbing system?
The biggest danger of an old or substandard plumbing system is the possibility of a pipe failure that floods the home or causes major water damage in the walls and floors. A serious failure can temporarily render the home uninhabitable and cost tens of thousands of dollars to clean up, though the damage is often covered by homeowners insurance. It can also cause longer-term problems, such as mold infestations.
What are the health hazards of plumbing?
These include health hazards such as asbestos and mold, serious pest problems that can lead to structural issues, and issues with utility systems like wiring and plumbing. 1. Lead and Asbestos. Lead and asbestos are two hazardous materials that were used in residential applications until relatively recently.
How much does it cost to remove lead paint from a house?
According to HouseLogic, professional removal costs $8 to $15 per square foot. The medical literature isn’t conclusive on the matter, but removal is recommended for homeowners with small children.
Why are older windows more efficient?
Old homes are more likely to have older, inefficient windows. The primary downside of inefficient windows is higher electricity bills because the home’s climate control system has to work harder to compensate for leaks . According to the Federal Government’s ENERGY STAR program, installing the most efficient class of windows in your entire home can reduce your annual electric bill by as much as $600, depending on the size of your home and where you live.
Why do people love older homes?
Older homes offer a host of opportunities for customization, blended with character and history, which is why many people love them. But the flip side is that the older they are, the more likely they are to come bundled with unpleasant surprises—including some you might not even have heard of.
Is fixing an old house expensive?
Fixing them is sure to be expensive, but knowing what to expect can help you prepare your budget. Here’s what to look for in an old home, depending on when it was built.
Do unrenovated homes have electrical wiring?
Unrenovated homes might also have knob-and-tube wiring, the early electrical systems that were common until the 1930s. Ceramic knobs and tubes run through the floor joists or wall studs, carrying electricity throughout the home. However, the rubber insulation can degrade and create a fire hazard.
Can clay lines crack?
Clay lines aren’t the only troublesome sewage system. Cast-iron sewer lines, popular from the mid-20th century to the ’80s, can corrode or crack, with a replacement cost in the many thousands.
Is it lucky to own a home?
Count yourself lucky if your old home isn ’t rife with problems—but not too lucky. One of the joys of home ownership is knowing that something will always go wrong. But even when it in evitably does, don’t panic. Everything is fixable.
Is rubber insulation a fire hazard?
However, the rubber insulation can degrade and create a fire hazard. And without GFCI outlets (ground-fault circuit interrupters, which trip the circuit if there is a surge in current), the system isn’t grounded. Fixing it is pricey, so get ready—and start working on getting estimates from some good electricians.
