There are a number of residences in Texas that are older than 50 years, including a significant number that are regarded as “historic” due to their age of more than 100 years. Character and beauty are two qualities that are frequently missing in newly built houses, but you can find them in many of these older properties. However, because of their advanced age, they frequently experience issues with their foundations, basements, structural integrity, and other systems. Foundation Repair Specialist has expertise repairing foundations and waterproofing older and historic properties in Texas, and we welcome the opportunity to do so. If you are also searching for the solution of Foundation Repair to your old property, keep reading this blog post till the end.
Advantages of Being the Owner of an Older Home
There are many different reasons why homeowners choose older homes, some of which include the following:
• Long-term homeowners who take pride in their community and the neighborhood as a whole are a common feature of established neighborhoods, where many older homes may be found. In places like these, the trees and landscaping tend to be more advanced in age, and there is a generally stronger sense of community.
• A more convenient location: Older homes are typically situated in areas that are more convenient for accessing amenities such as shopping, recreational opportunities, and places of employment.
• A one-of-a-kind persona – the majority of older houses feature distinctive historical architecture. Some of them have built-in bookcases and display cabinets, which make them more aesthetically beautiful. These are features that can be difficult to replicate in homes that were built more recently.
• A higher quality of construction – Although not all older houses were built to a high standard, many of them were built to be more sturdy and long-lasting than contemporary houses, which may have been constructed using mass-production techniques that are less expensive.
• The opportunity to develop equity – Many older homes provide their owners with the possibility of modernizing their kitchens and bathrooms, completing their basements, adding attached garages, constructing decks and patios, and installing new landscaping, all of which result in a rise in the value of the property that is significantly more than the expense of making these improvements.
Problems that are Typically Seen in Older Homes
The majority of older houses, as a result of issues with moisture in the soil and erosion, eventually develop foundation and structural issues. Foundation fractures, uneven slabs or peripheral foundation walls, corrosion and dry rot caused by moisture, damaged piers, pilings, or concrete support for the entire structure are some examples of such issues. Cracks in the walls, floors, and ceilings, doors and windows that stick, walls that bend or tilt, and floors that are not level are all indicators that the structure is failing.
By correcting cracks, leveling concrete, restoring leaning walls, constructing foundation support systems, and installing interior and outdoor drainage systems, Foundation Repair Specialist is able to repair the majority of foundation and structural issues.
Damage Caused by Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew are problems that can arise in older homes, particularly in the basement or crawlspace, if there is an excessive amount of moisture. Although the presence of a trace quantity of mold indoors does not pose a significant threat, unchecked growth of the fungus can be problematic for children and adults who suffer from allergies or respiratory conditions such as asthma. Mold can eat away at the surfaces of wood, drywall, grout, and other porous materials, which can lead to structural issues in your home. Mold can also cause respiratory illnesses.
The team of FoundationRepair.com is able to fix your leaking basement, build the appropriate insulation in your basement and crawl space, and install fans and dehumidifiers to minimize mold and mildew growth caused by excess moisture in your home.
Issues with the Plumbing and the Electricity
Another issue that might arise with older houses is plumbing and electrical systems that are either outdated or not up to code. A burst pipe can cause significant water damage to the interior of the property as well as flood the entire house. In addition to that, it might result in infestations of mold. The remedy is to have the pipes replaced by a professional plumber. Installation errors in electrical wiring can result in hazards such as electric shocks, fires, and short circuits. Wiring that was put prior to 1960 typically lasts for about 70 years, whereas wiring that is more recent will typically last for at least 100 years. When it comes to fixing electrical issues, your best bet is to get in touch with a qualified electrician.
Cracks in the floors and walls, along with other damage caused by broken and leaky pipes, can be repaired by FoundationRepair.com after your plumber and electrician have taken care of any immediate difficulties that have arisen.
Substances That Should Not Be Used
Both lead and asbestos were common building materials used before to the 1980s, and both pose serious health risks if inhaled. Prior to 1978, lead, which can pose serious health risks to children, was a common ingredient in paint. Up until the middle of the 1970s, asbestos, a fibrous material that has been linked to both lung cancer and other respiratory disorders, was commonly employed as an insulation material. Asbestos can be found in older homes’ crawlspaces, walls, and pipes in a significant number of cases.
Investing in the removal of lead paint and a water filter system for drinking water are both good methods for decreasing one’s exposure to lead. This is especially important if one has young children. Only if you intend to rip out walls or floors that contain asbestos will you encounter an issue with asbestos.
When we work with asbestos at Foundation Repair Specialist, we make sure to take the necessary safety precautions, both for the wellbeing of your family and that of our employees.
Damage Caused by Termites
Signs of termite damage, which include sagging floorboards, pin-sized holes in drywall, hollow-sounding flooring, and peeling paint, may appear in older homes that have been attacked by termites. The most effective method for dealing with infestations is to take preventative measures before the pests cause any harm to your wooden structure, floors, or drywall. Termites can be avoided by the installation of drainage systems that prevent water from collecting close to the base of your home, the removal of old plants, roots, and timber mulch that are located near the foundation, and the sealing of foundation fissures that serve as access points for termites.
If you hire professionals in pest control before you are forced to undertake more expensive structural repairs due to termite damage, you can avoid having to pay for such repairs.
In addition, Foundation Repair Specialist is able to build drainage systems both inside and outside of a home, as well as repair leaks in the foundation and walls, and seal crawlspaces, all with the goal of preventing termite infestations.
The Foundation Repair Specialist program contributes to the preservation of older homes.
It’s possible that even the most stylish and attractive house in the most well-established neighborhood could have some of the issues that have been detailed above.
Foundation Repair Specialist values the investment that you have made in your older home and provides a wide range of services to help you repair and maintain it so that it can be enjoyed for many years to come. Among our many services, we offer:
- Foundation Repair
- Waterproofing of the Basement
- Repairs to the Crawlspace
Cracks, settled foundations and bowed walls can all be repaired with the help of Earth Contact Products (ECP), whose products are of the highest possible quality. Our experienced services are able to repair and preserve your home in the most productive and economical manner possible, regardless of how old or how recently it was built. So if you are also looking for reliable home foundation repair services, you are definitely at the right place. Make sure to get in touch with us today! You can contact us by visiting our website, calling us or simply by walking in to our office.
