Living in an Old House: Tips to Care for Your Older Home

Old homes are full of life and family memories — that’s why people love them! But even something you love can come with some heartache. Here’s how you can care for your aging house, resolve age-related issues and support its longevity for the years to come.

Mold

A leaky pipe or roof, humid environments and water collecting in holes within the house’s foundation can all lead to mold. Wood, ceiling tiles, wallpaper, paints, insulation, drywall and an array of fabrics can all carry mold, making an old home especially vulnerable to it. Often, if you cannot see it, you can detect a potential mold problem due to its musty smell.

Help prevent mold by controlling your home’s humidity levels, especially during the warmer seasons. Remember to turn on your air conditioning and a dehumidifier, keeping your humidity levels low, between 30% and 50%.¹ Fixing leaks and removing moldy building materials — carpet, drywall, insulation, etc. — will prevent your mold issues from worsening. And if you experience flooding or extreme dampness, be sure to dry out affected spaces within 24 to 48 hours.

Asbestos

Asbestos — a mineral fiber frequently used in many forms of building products and insulation prior to the 1970s — may still remain in your older home. It can be present in your furnace ducts, resilient floor tiles, cement sheet and roofs, door gaskets and more.

While asbestos itself is not dangerous, damaged materials containing it can present an issue. When those materials release asbestos fibers into the air, it can become a health hazard. However, in most cases, it’s best just to leave these materials alone. But if you suspect your home’s building materials contain asbestos, monitor it closely for any damage. If you find some or plan to remodel, hire a professional to handle any confirmed or potential asbestos products.

Lead Paint

Lead paint can cause lead poisoning, carrying an array of health issues if exposed to it. If your home was built before 1978 — the year the federal government banned the consumer use of lead-based paint — the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires a house inspection for lead paint before any renovations can be done. Lead paint becomes dangerous when it’s disturbed, broken down, peeled and/or chipped.

Breathing in only a small amount of its dust can be harmful, so be sure to go through the proper channels to check for it if you choose to renovate your home. Lead-safe certified contractors will help take care of these construction updates as safely and smoothly as possible.

Drafts and Holes in Insulation

Over time, an old house’s doors, windows or bricks may no longer be airtight or you may have holes in your walls, insulation or foundation, resulting in a drafty home. If you’re experiencing breezes while indoors, that means your air quality is also suffering. Drafts not only make it more expensive for you to heat and cool your home, they also welcome in outdoor air pollution, including pesticides, radon and allergens. While outdoor air is generally good for the home, it can also cause issues with moisture and humidity. Applying weatherstripping to windows can help seal air leaks.

Cracks in foundations, damaged roofs, walls or windows and doors that aren’t properly fitted can invite pests in, as well. If you have holes in your home, you may experience pest infestations, such as mice, squirrels or bugs. Caulk, which you can use to seal cracks around windows, doors and pipes, can block these nuisances from getting in. Similar to mold, insects and rodents will seek out water and areas that are damp. Monitor those particular areas to ensure you don’t have any infestations.

Inspect Your Older Home Annually

Early detection is key when it comes to resolving or managing these issues. Whether you choose to hire an inspector or do it yourself, ensure that you thoroughly look for each of the common problems mentioned.

Some recommended inspections:

● Look for water stains on your ceiling, a sign of a potential pipe or roof leak
● Go into your attic during the day to see if light streams in through cracks, which could welcome pests or critters
● Survey your radiator for leaks, deterioration or rust on or around it
● See if mildew has gathered in areas that could retain water, such as in your bath or shower

If you find something questionable like a leaky pipe, possible mold or a cracking foundation, consult the appropriate professional. Many home projects are a significant — and sometimes risky — undertaking. DIY projects should always be approached with great caution, if done at all.

However, maintaining an old house can truly pay off. Keep an eye out for warning signs, so you can keep living a great life in the home you love.

Sources

1. “Mold and Dampness.” American Lung Association. 2023.