**Collaborative post**
How old is your home? You should be able to find this information online, and it’s more important than you think. The older a home gets, the more prone it is to common degradation in different areas. In simple terms, your house starts to experience wear and tear. The good news is that this probably won’t be an issue until your home has been around for a good few decades.
Various things around your home will have a lifespan of 15-50 years before they take a turn for the worse. On that note, let’s look at some of the most critical home repairs to consider when your house gets older. You’ll find a list of ideas below, complete with the average age range where they’ll be a problem.
HVAC System Upgrades
You rely on an HVAC system to warm up your home during cold periods and cool it down when it’s warm. It’s a key part of your house; without it, you’d feel a lot less comfortable in all forms of weather!
An HVAC system can’t last forever, and most will need replacing within 15-25 years.
Check to see when yours was installed – if you replaced an old system when moving in a few years ago, then you know yours is good for another couple of decades. If yours is old, then it’s worth swapping it out for a newer one. Even if it still works pretty well, an old HVAC system will be extremely inefficient compared to a new one. You could save a flipping fortune on energy bills with this simple upgrade.
Swapping Out Insulation
Speaking of energy savings around the home, your insulation might be why your heating bill is outstandingly high. It all depends on the type of insulation in your attic. Some will last for up to 100 years without any problems, while others need replacing every 15 years.
That’s a huge difference, but here’s a quick breakdown of each type:
- Fiberglass insulation needs replacing every 15-30 years
- Cellulose insulation needs replacing every 20-30 years
- Mineral wool insulation needs replacing every 30-100 years
- All other forms of insulation need replacing every 80-100 years
If your attic insulation falls into any of the first three categories (especially the first two), then it could be time to swap it out, especially if it feels like your home struggles to retain heat during the winter. Invest in quality insulation to keep your house warm, improve energy efficiency, and avoid worrying about this particular problem for the rest of your life.
Roof Replacements
Although roofs seem rugged and durable, most only last 20-50 years. This means homes built in the early 2000s could be due for a roof replacement by now. Much like your attic insulation, a lot depends on the material used during the roof’s construction.
According to U.S. News, slate, copper, and tile roofs are the most expensive materials, and they can last for 50 years plus. If your roof is made from any of those, then the chances are it won’t need to be replaced just yet.
On the other hand, wood shake roofs will only last for 30 years, and fibre cement shingles last for 25. Coming in at the lowest end of the scale are asphalt shingle and composite roofs, which will last for 20 years max.
Obviously, it depends on how old your home is – or, more accurately, how old your roof is. You could have a 60-year-old home with a roof that’s only 10 years old, which would mean a replacement isn’t on the cards. Roof replacements are very important, as damaged or deteriorating roofs will cause a host of future problems for your home. If you’re due a replacement, get it done ASAP.
Cast Iron Pipe Repairs
Was your home built in the late 70s/early 80s? If so, there’s a strong chance it was built with cast iron pipes. They were a common piping system for plumbing in older homes, mainly because cast iron was one of the most durable materials back then. Sadly, all good things come to an end, and these pipes will start to rust and break apart after 50 years or so.
Therefore, if you’re got an older home with these pipes, you’ll need to look for cast iron pipe repair services. An entire replacement plumbing system probably won’t be necessary; these pipes can be refitted and repaired to keep them going for much longer.
Like roof repairs, these repairs are extremely valuable to prevent more extensive home woes. Unattended cast iron pipe repairs could lead to water leaks and other serious issues around your property.
New Windows
Window experts suggest that residential windows will last between 15 to 30 years before it’s time to replace them. This could be one of the first things you do when moving into a new home – especially if you’re moving into an old one.
Dodgy windows will let drafts in and make your home feel a lot colder. They also don’t soundproof your home against wind or other noises, so you hear everything from outside. When you replace your windows, make sure to invest in quality materials that’ll last closer to the 30-year mark and beyond.
Upgrading Electrical Systems
Do you know when your home’s electrical systems were last upgraded? Technology has changed drastically over the years, so even a home built in the 90s could have outdated electrical circuits. There’s no true way of knowing if you should upgrade your electrical systems – the best option is to call an electrician.
Get someone to look at your system and tell you if you’d benefit from an upgrade. Some older homes might still fare well, while others will need a full change. It’s worth doing because it makes your home more electrically efficient and can prevent common problems like blown fuses, etc.
Ideally, your home isn’t due for any of these repairs yet. It’s still useful to know about them so you can plan ahead. Stay on top of the general repairs and maintenance to keep your home in the best condition possible.
