Are You Considering Renovating an Old House? Beware of These Dangers
Buying and renovating an old home is a dream for many of us.
The history and beauty of a classic Victorian or 50s mid-century modern home can be an irresistible draw for someone interested in renovating an old house. Maintaining the character of an older home while bringing it up to modern living standards can be a creative challenge.
Another potential challenge for those renovating an old house is that issues can lurk behind the walls! Whether old wiring, lead paint, or foundation issues, older homes may be prone to many potential problems. Issues can be due to changes in the building codes or simply symptoms of old age.
Check for Potential Environmental Health Hazards Before You Begin Renovating an Old House
Three potential environmental hazards you might encounter when renovating an old house are – mold, lead paint, and asbestos.
Mold
Of the three, mold is the only one that naturally occurs. Finding mold in the home can be a symptom of other issues with the house, like a leaking roof, walls, or plumbing. Some people may be sensitive to mold and can suffer minor symptoms like a stuffy nose, itchy eyes, or difficulty breathing. If you find mold, remediate any affected materials, track down the source of the leaks, and repair them.
To remediate mold:
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Remove the mold from any materials that can be effectively cleaned
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Throw away any materials that can not be cleaned
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Identify and repair the source of water that caused the mold
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Protect occupants from any contaminants during cleaning
Asbestos
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is found in soil and rocks. In the past, asbestos was often used as insulation, fireproofing, roofing, and floor tiles. Research found that asbestos fibers were a cause of lung disease, and the material was banned starting in the 1970s. However, asbestos may still be present in homes built before the ban. Damage is caused by breathing in the fibers that can be released into the air during renovations or demolition. Working with a licensed professional asbestos removal company is crucial if you discover asbestos in your home.
Lead
Lead is a naturally occurring metal found in the ground in small amounts that can enter groundwater. Lead was banned from house paint in 1978, but available products were sold until they were depleted. Most houses built before 1978 may contain some lead paint. Lead is a serious issue, and there is no safe level of exposure. The effects of ingesting lead can not be reversed. Children are especially at risk. Low exposure levels can affect a child’s IQ, attention span, and academic achievement. Lead solder was often used on copper and cast iron pies, which can leach into the drinking water.
The Electrical Wiring Works But May Not Be Up to Current Codes
Electrical wiring has changed a lot since it became common in homes over a century ago. Older or historical homes often use knob-and-tube wiring, which was widely used until the 1930s. While it’s not illegal and still acceptable, it is not the best system for today’s electrical needs. In addition, knob-and-tube outlets do not have the ground-prong appliances required today.
The wire coating can be well-worn and potentially dangerous in an older home. If it wears off, it can expose a live wire that can cause an electrical fire. For example, you can not put insulation over a knob-and-tube system because the wires can overheat. If you plan on insulating or re-insulating an older home, you might need to replace an older electrical system, so hiring a professional electrician is the best solution.
Unstable Foundation
As an older home settles, foundation cracks can occur. Potential causes for a cracked foundation include groundwater, tree roots, poor construction, or drainage issues. In addition, many older homes have a brick or stone foundation, which is not as strong as a concrete foundation.
If, when renovating your home, you notice foundation cracks that are bigger than 1/8-inch or cracks that appear to be growing, you may need to repair them when renovating. Look for any foundation cracks that are also bulging, as this can indicate a much more serious structural issue.
Does Your Plumbing Use Galvanized Pipes
If your home is from the 1960s, check for galvanized pipes. Galvanized steel pipes were first used to replace lead pipes. A zinc coating makes these pipes pretty durable. However, over decades, the coating breaks down and can cause the pipes to corrode and rust. When galvanized pipes become worn, the risk of leaks or a burst increases, which can cause significant water damage.
Like knob-and-tube electrical, galvanized pipes don’t have to be replaced. They are acceptable under most building codes. However, if you notice rust, have low water pressure, or discolored water coming out of the faucets, you should consider replacing them.
Depending on the size of your home, upgrading galvanized pipes can be a costly and lengthy project. When replacing plumbing, it’s best to do it in the early stages of renovating an old house. The process requires cutting into walls and floors, and replacing corroded pipes can be messy!
A Smart Solution To Your Home Remodeling Needs
While there are unique challenges when renovating an old house, there are also many benefits. An older home that needs updates can offer charm and character that a new build can’t match. Often, older homes are built better and offer a more reliable structural integrity. They were built to stand the test of time. That said, when renovating an old house, if you come across any of these issues, hiring a qualified professional is the best solution.