An older home can provide a unique set of challenges when it comes to maintaining it. There may be things hidden in the walls that can be causing some of your underlying issues. Here are some tips to help you keep your home from falling apart.
Investigate Your Plumbing System
Older steel piping will start to corrode from the inside out. You may not notice a plumbing problem until you have a major leak. Some people even think that the water pressure in a older home is supposed to be low. This could be a sign of an impending disaster. Consider having your plumbing redone if you notice water pressure issues or discolored looking pipes. Having a water leak can mean an even more costly fix just trying to repair the damages.
Consider Your Electrical Issues
Another common problem with older homes is with the electrical system. The wiring in your walls may not be up to code or may even present a fire hazard. The first sign of a problem may be that you observe your lights dimming when the refrigerator kicks on. This could be a two part problem of old wiring or even an overloaded electrical panel. Have your electrical system inspected so that you can ensure the life of your home.
Your electrical system should be made to handle the amount of electronic devices and appliances that you use in your home as well. When you speak with a professional, make sure that they understand your household’s usage patterns so that the new electrical system can accommodate it.
Upgrade Your Exterior
The areas of your home’s exterior that you need to consider are the roof, windows, and siding. Areas of rot around your windows could pose a problem with the drywall or plaster of your home. Have these areas repaired right away so that the damage doesn’t spread to the interior. Your roof is another place that is often overlooked. A roof leak can be caused from missing shingles or the fact that you need a new roof. Consider using a company like Charleston Roofs + Windows to take care of your home’s exterior needs.
As part of your exterior, you should consider looking into your home’s foundation. If there are cracks or even if rodents have dug tunnels underneath it, your foundation can be compromised. Tunnels can lead to cracks being formed in the foundation. Such things can allow for water damage and for greater instability in the case of earthquakes and other such natural disasters. To help prevent such things, check around your home’s foundation every six months for cracks or tunnels. If the tunnels are small and not too well-progressed, then they can be filled in with rock, dirt, or cement.
Focus on Routine Repairs
There are always little routine repairs that you need to take care of around your home. Consider creating a calendar to remind you of these projects that recur on a routine basis. These could include things like cleaning the gutters, replacing your HVAC air filter, and cleaning out the dryer vent. This will provide you with a reminder of the things that you need to get done. Forgetting about the little things can be just as detrimental to your home as the larger projects.
You may be delaying on maintaining your home because you don’t feel like it or don’t have time. This can be a mistake that could result in larger and more expensive fixes being required.
