Every home has its potential for hidden issues that you need to deal with, but these can be even more common in older homes. You should typically take a closer look at them before you move in, and either request that the seller take care of outstanding problems, or at least drop the price so that you’re able to budget for it yourself. However, regardless of whether you’re still looking for a home or you’ve bought the place, here are some of the lurking risks that can make older homes a legitimate health hazard.
Pest Infestations
Older properties are typically a lot more prone to pest invasions due to structural wear and tear, which can open up small entry points over time. Not only are pests in the home a health risk, but they can cause significant damage to the property itself, especially rodents and termites, which can weaken timber structures. If you spot any signs of a pest infestation, such as droppings, unusual sounds, or damaged materials throughout the home, you should call in the specialists as soon as possible. They can help you find where that infestation is hiding, remove it, and put measures in place to prevent pests from moving in again.
Asbestos
Homes that were built before the 1990s are a lot more likely to include asbestos in materials used for insulation, roofing, floor tiles, and cement sheeting. This typically isn’t a problem when not disturbed, but as it deteriorates over time or is damaged during renovations, it can release tiny fibres into the air that are a leading cause of respiratory diseases, including some cancers. Working with asbestos removal professionals to make sure that your home is totally clean is vital. Especially if the owner doesn’t know if the home has been checked for it before.
Lead
For even older homes, such as those built before the 1970s, you need to be aware of lead-based paint, which was used quite frequently. As this paint ages, it can chip, peel or turn into dust that’s easily inhaled or ingested, leading to major health risks, especially amongst children, such as developmental issues and neurological damage. Be mindful of any old paint that you’re able to see, but also spaces such as attics or basements that may not have been thoroughly cleaned out and could have lead paint residue lingering as a result.
Radon
As a naturally occurring radioactive gas, radon can affect both old and new houses alike. It seeps up from the ground, moving through the cracks in the floors, walls, and foundation, leading to an increased risk of cancer over the years. Older homes do tend to have more of these gaps, too. Investing in testing kits can help you spot whether radon is a risk for your home, after which mitigation systems can help to reduce the home’s exposure to these gases.
The tips above should help you be better aware of the real danger that can lurk in some homes, especially older ones.
