Old & Historic Home Maintenance
Some of the most beautiful and treasured homes have been in families for decades and may be a part of historic districts. Proper maintenance, renovation and repair are vital in preserving the home and its value, but this doesn’t have to be costly. Routine inspections can help you avoid unexpected repairs and reduce the risk of loss in an older home.
Exterior
When’s the last time you havve gotten on a ladder to clean the gutters? Inspect the roof? Chubb suggests these periodic inspections:
- Check exterior walls for cracks and peeling, including in the paint and on siding.
- Clear gutters and downspouts. You can improve drainage around the foundation of your home by directing downspouts away from the house.
- Inspect exterior doors and windows for proper caulking and weather stripping.
- Inspect decks, terraces and balconies. According to Chubb, deteriorating conditions in these areas can lead to interior water damage.
- Check mortar walls and chimneys. If there are loose bricks, cracked mortar, damp walls or damaged plaster, you need to replace before the damage gets worse.
- Inspect the roof and flashing. Don’t forget to check the areas around chimneys and skylights, especially after severe storms.
Interior
Although it may seem like a lot of space to cover, you’ll definitely want to focus on these key areas:
- The Basement: Inspect walls and floors for cracking or dampness. Remember you should never store valuables in the basement since it is prone to excessive moisture.
- The Attic: Ensure proper and updated insulation is installed in your attic to reduce damage from moisture and save on energy usage.
- The Chimney: Your chimney should be inspected AND cleaned on a regular basis to avoid future deterioration.
- The Insulation System: Older homes have less insulation, particularly around their pipes. To avoid pipes freezing over and bursting, you must maintain a comfortable heating temperature at all times. Install low temperature sensors and water leak detectors to alert you of any problems. Also, if you’re leaving your home for an exterior time, Chubb recommends you shut off your main water supply to protect your pipes.
When dealing with repairs or improvements of any kind, always consult with a licensed electrical, plumbing, heating, roofing or other area specialist for an evaluation before beginning any project. You will also wanted to see if they have any experience working on historic or older homes to ensure you’re getting the best and most reliable service!