Part of making an older building last for the future is adding some modern conveniences it’s missing out on. Another is to remove any toxic and/or hazardous substances that might be in its makeup!
And then we get onto the home renovation projects you can do to strengthen the structure – and that’s what we’re going to recommend here in this post!
If you’re the proud owner of an older home, here are the kind of improvement projects you’ll want to get on with. Without them, your vintage property might not last as long as you’d like!
Fit a New Roof (and insulate the attic!)
Older homes usually have roofs that have been torn to shreds!
Both the years and the elements have done a number on them, and both the shingle tiles and underlayering have been worn down or simply gone missing.
Because of that, you may need to fit a new roof. Double check this first though, and don’t just assume your roof will need replacing! It’s a costly job, and it’s always better to get a patch up done if you can.
On top (or rather, underneath!) this, check the insulation amount and type in your attic. An old building is less likely to be well insulated, in the first place.
But on top of that, any insulation it does have has probably been thinned out. Your next step will be to add in more, especially at the top of the house where heat rises and is likely to escape.
Replace the Stairs
Staircases can suffer from weathering more than any other element inside an older home. And when you think about it, that’s no surprise!
The stairs are the only way to travel between floors, which means they see a lot more footsteps than the ground or upstairs floors combined.
And if people have been running up and down the stairs, or sliding down the bannister over the years, there’s likely to be a lot more damage than it first seems.
So replace the stairs! That’s the next big project for you to focus on. And we recommend getting a more durable type of staircase in place, such as a fiberglass staircase that has a lot more inner weave strength.
Seal Over the Heat Leaks
Heat leaks occur in any and all properties, but older homes have a higher chance of air holes and poor sealant materials.
Seal over these ASAP, to prevent both your home’s heat and your bill money leaking through them!
Naturally, doors and windows are the first areas to check, but make sure your lower and upper wall edges aren’t a bit draughty either. They’ll be easy to spot; you’ll feel an air flow on your hand!
If you own an older home, you can see it standing strong for another 50+ years with a few key repairs. Seal over the heat leaks, replace the stairs, and make sure both your roof and attic are durable and insulated!
