Common Age Related Issues with Older Homes

Below are some of the most common and important issues found in homes of different ages. This is by no means a complete list of all problems. 
Pre 1940's
  • Foundations:
    • Older foundations degrade over time and the degradation may be below soil level and not visible.
    • Older basement foundations were not designed to be water tight and will allow moisture to come through (efflorescence). Moisture problems such as mold and mildew can occur if drywall or insulation is placed too close to the foundation or the foundation is unable to adequately dry. 
  • Electrical
    • Knob and tube wiring overheated (the knobs and tubes were installed to help the wiring cool) and was designed for homes with only a few lights and appliances. We now use a lot more energy, which can overheat the wiring and cause the rubber coating to degrade and break off. Knob and tube wiring should be inspected to ensure the coating is in good condition. This wiring should never be covered with insulation because it will overheat and can become a fire hazard. Replacing knob and tube wiring is a beneficial upgrade.
    • If the home still has a fuse box we recommend it be replaced with modern breakers, which are safer. 
  • Plumbing: 
    • Galvanized plumbing has a lifespan of 40-60 years. Most of the homes this age still have galvanized plumbing that can begin leaking any time. Replacement is recommended but may not need to be done right away.
    • Galvanized plumbing often times contained lead that can leach into drinking water. Lead water filters are relatively inexpensive and can be installed in fridges and under sinks.  
    • Copper plumbing has a lifespan of roughly 75 years. Prior to 1985 lead solder was used to seal the joints in copper plumbing, which could leach into the drinking water. Lead water filters are relatively inexpensive and can be installed in fridges and under sinks.  
  • Lead Paint
    • There is an ~87% chance of lead paint in homes of this age. Lead paint will most likely be on the the exterior of the home, basement walls and around door and window trim. Only testing can verify presence/absence and location of lead paint.
    • Repairing or repainting a home with lead paint, especially if it is chipping, is a lot more expensive because of environmental requirements for removal. 
  • Asbestos
    • Asbestos was used in thousands of products and materials. A licensed asbestos tester can determine where/if there is asbestos in the home and how to mitigate it. Testing should be done before any remodeling. 
  • Structure
    • Balloon framing was common in two story homes of this age and can allow fires to spread quickly through the walls to the top floor. 
  • Insulation
    • Older homes were not built with insulation in the flooring or walls because vapor barriers and insulation that could withstand moisture had not been invented yet. The homes would have molded had they insulated with the available materials of the time. Uninsulated homes are a lot more expensive to heat and cool. Insulation can now be safely added to the walls and floors. ​
  • Earthquakes:
    • Homes of this age did not have reinforced foundations and do not stand up as well as a newer foundation in the event of an earthquake. Until 1974 most homes were not attached to the foundations, which can allow them to slide off the foundation in the event of a large earthquake.  Earthquake protection and reinforcement can be added. 
1940 - 1960
  • Electrical
  • Plumbing: 
    • Galvanized plumbing has a lifespan of 40-60 years. Most of the homes this age still have galvanized plumbing that can begin leaking any time.  Replacement is recommended but may not need to be done right away.
    • ​Galvanized plumbing often times contained lead that can leach into drinking water. Lead water filters are relatively inexpensive and can be installed in fridges and under sinks.  
    • Copper plumbing has a lifespan of roughly 75 years. Prior to 1985 lead solder was used to seal the joints in copper plumbing, which could leach into the drinking water. Lead water filters are relatively inexpensive and can be installed in fridges and under sinks.  
  • Lead Paint
    • There is an ~69% chance of lead paint in homes of this age. Lead paint will most likely be on the the exterior of the home, basement walls and around door and window trim. Only testing can verify presence/absence and location of lead paint.
    • Repairing or repainting a home with lead paint, especially if it is chipping, is a lot more expensive because of environmental requirements for removal. 
  • Asbestos
    • Asbestos was used in thousands of products and materials. A licensed asbestos tester can determine where/if there is asbestos in the home and how to mitigate it. Testing should be done before any remodeling. 
  • Insulation
    • Older homes were not built with insulation in the flooring or walls because vapor barriers and insulation that could withstand moisture had not been invented yet. The homes would have molded had they insulated with the available materials of the time. Uninsulated homes are a lot more expensive to heat and cool. Insulation can now be safely added to the walls and floors. 
  • Earthquakes:
    • Until 1974 most homes were not attached to the foundations, which can allow them to slide off the foundation in the event of a large earthquake.  Earthquake protection and reinforcement can be added. 
1961 - 1980
  • Electrical
    • Below is a list of electrical panels that have a long history of performance and safety issues and should be replaced. It is common for us to find burn marks in these panels from overheating. Read more
    • Aluminum branch circuit wiring expands and contracts enough when used that it can work itself loose and become a fire hazard. This wiring can and should be repaired or replaced by an electrician. 
  • Plumbing: 
    • Galvanized plumbing has a lifespan of 40-60 years. Most of the homes this age still have galvanized plumbing that can begin leaking any time.  Replacement is recommended but may not need to be done right away.
    • ​Galvanized plumbing often times contained lead that can leach into drinking water. Lead water filters are relatively inexpensive and can be installed in fridges and under sinks.  
    • Copper plumbing has a lifespan of roughly 75 years. Prior to 1985 lead solder was used to seal the joints in copper plumbing, which could leach into the drinking water. Lead water filters are relatively inexpensive and can be installed in fridges and under sinks.  
    • Polybutylene plumbing was installed from 1978-1996. This type of plumbing breaks down in the presence of chlorine (found in drinking water) and can break without notice or any evidence of problems. We recommend this plumbing be replaced immediately. 
  • Lead Paint
    • There is an ~24% chance of lead paint in homes of this age. Lead paint will most likely be on the the exterior of the home, basement walls and around door and window trim. Only testing can verify presence/absence and location of lead paint.
    • Repairing or repainting a home with lead paint, especially if it is chipping, is a lot more expensive because of environmental requirements for removal. 
  • Asbestos
    • Asbestos was used in thousands of products and materials. A licensed asbestos tester can determine where/if there is asbestos in the home and how to mitigate it. Testing should be done before any remodeling. 
  • Insulation
    • Homes built before 1965 were usually not built with insulation in the flooring or walls because vapor barriers and insulation that could withstand moisture had not been invented yet. The homes would have molded had they insulated with the available materials of the time. Uninsulated homes are a lot more expensive to heat and cool. Insulation can now be safely added to the walls and floors. 
  • Earthquakes:
    • Until 1974 most homes were not attached to the foundations, which can allow them to slide off the foundation in the event of a large earthquake.  Earthquake protection and reinforcement can be added. 
1981 - 2000
  • Electrical
    • Below is a list of electrical panels that have a long history of performance and safety issues and should be replaced. It is common for us to find burn marks in these panels from overheating. Read more
  • Plumbing: 
    • Copper plumbing has a lifespan of roughly 75 years. Prior to 1985 lead solder was used to seal the joints in copper plumbing, which could leach into the drinking water. Lead water filters are relatively inexpensive and can be installed in fridges and under sinks.  
    • Polybutylene plumbing was installed from 1978-1996. This type of plumbing breaks down in the presence of chlorine (found in drinking water) and can break without notice or any evidence of problems. We recommend this plumbing be replaced immediately. 
  • Siding
    • Louisiana Pacific Inner Seal siding was installed from 1990-1996. The siding is pieces of wood glued together with glue that dissolved in water. When water gets into the siding around chipped paint or a crack in the caulking the siding would swell, which would crack more paint and allow more water to get in. It is common to see this siding swollen and soft from rot. LP siding from this time period should be replaced. The siding has a distinctive knot that makes it easy to identify.