When it comes to older homes, there is a lot to consider with upkeep and upgrades to make sure it’s a safe and thriving environment for your family. Annual maintenance is important because it can help prevent a potential safety hazard from occurring. Older homes require more attention than many newer built homes, so it’s important to create a personal checklist and stick to annual inspections by a professional contractor. Here are just a few things to look at and consider repairing before they become a major problem.

“When it comes to older homes,

there is a lot to consider with upkeep

and upgrades to make sure it’s a safe and

thriving environment for your family.”

Chimney Restoration

If your home has a wood burning chimney and is over 50 years old, there is a good chance that the body of the chimney may need some repair. If you inspect it each fall before using in the winter, it’s likely in good condition, especially if you’ve been making the necessary repairs along the way. On the other hand, if you just purchased the home, or you haven’t used the wood burning chimney in several years, it should have a professional inspection before being used. A chimney sweep is someone who specializes in the mechanics of a working fireplace. He can come to your home with a camera and other equipment to carefully inspect the chimney. He will be:

*Identifying heavy soot buildup.
*Removing any blockages in the fireplace and chimney.
*Cleaning the firebox, smoke chamber, damper and smoke shelf.
*Making sure that the smoke ducts and flue pipes are functioning properly.

From there he will sweep and clean the chimney so that smoke flows out properly and emissions are reduced overall. It’s important to have your wood chimney both inspected and cleaned annually. Chimney repair is an important safety concern, especially when you use firewood for heating your home during the winter months.

Annual HVAC Inspection

Just like having your wood burning chimney cleaned regularly is an important safety factor, making sure that your HVAC chimney is clean is equally important. In older homes, settling can cause some pipes to become bellied, which can block air flow and lead to possible carbon monoxide poisoning. Having a HVAC pro come and inspect your furnace, AC unit, duct work and venting system can not only help save your life, but also save you money on mid-winter, peak-season furnace repairs. Call your HVAC pro before winter hints to make sure your system is working properly and effectively.

Addressing Plumbing Issues

Older homes often have a myriad of plumbing systems joined together to make one. This is due to past homeowners making simple repairs with new materials to already existing piping. While this can be a quick fix for the time being, over time it can lead to mild cracks in the pipes and ill-fitting pipes that can easily break or burst. It’s important to have an annual plumbing inspection, especially in the fall, before temperatures begin to fluctuate. This allows your plumber to check seals and make sure that your pipes are working and flowing properly through each level of your home.

Septic Field Upkeep

If you live in the country, or your home has its own dug well and drain field, you’ll need to consider the function of your septic tank. It’s recommended that you have your septic tank drained at least every three years, for the average family. Take into consideration the summer months when more people may be visiting and using your sewer and plumbing system. Heavy storms, advanced root growth and a weak plumbing system can quickly lead to backups and create a health hazard in and around your home. Call on a professional septic tank servicing company to check your tank, inspect your drain field and look for any areas of concern, such as:

*An overrun of wastewater or water puddles on or near your septic drain field.
*Backflow of sewage coming into the home through the toilet and drains in the bathroom.
*Foul smelling odors coming from your drains.
*Slow moving toilets and frequent clogs.

Issues can be addressed and repaired to help ward off a sewage disaster throughout the year.

Older homes carry a lot of character and charm. Keep your old home new on the inside and the outside with routine maintenance and repairs done by the right professional.

Do you have an older home?

What are your key tips for maintaining an older home?

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