ArticleMap.com

Things Which Need To Be Considered In Relation To Old House Upgrades.

In this web page we will consider various time periods and a few issues that should be looked at when considering carrying out any old house upgrades.

1. Wiring in a 1920's Home
When modifying a 1920's property the electrical system was known as "Knob & Tube" because it was strung alongside floor joists on ceramic knobs and passed through lumber via ceramic tubes. If you have this type of wiring in your home it is important that you hire a contractor to upgrade your system as soon as possible as it is dangerous for a number of reasons.

2. Removal of Steel Water Pipes
Steel plumbing was used in residential and commercial properties from 1900 to 1940 and although they worked well for the first while after that they start to rust shut (much like an artery becomes clogged). Soon you will take note of the fact that your water pressure has begun to drop if you have these types of pipes in your home or else you may not be aware of a problem until a pipe actually ruptures. So it is vital that you remove and replace in your place before the problems appear.

3. Wall Insulation
Before 1940 many homes did not have protection from the cold and the insulation below the roof often was not much better. However, if you want to get and stay warm then why not contract for blown in insulation. It is only necessary to have a small hole to be drilled in each outer surface and then the contractor you decide on can blow in the insulation to fill the spaces and so warm up your own home.

4. Asbestos Heating Pipes and Ducts
Up until the 1940's asbestos was the primary way to provide insulation for heating equipment. As we have recently discovered, this stuff is dangerous you will need to arrange for an professional company who is qualified in handling asbestos material to come in and take it away. They will also need to reinsulate the pipes for you with a non-toxic solution. It may be wise at this stage to actually arrange for the whole heating system to be upgraded as well.

5. Undersized Electrical Systems
Most, if not all older homes will need to have their electrical systems upgraded as often they will have one or more rooms on the same fuse. You may find that as soon as the compressor kicks in on the refrigerator the lighting in your other rooms begin to dim. Therefore arrange for a qualified electrician to come in and review the wiring of your unitand agree to have it changed as they see fit.

6. Replacing Windows
Because most of the windows manufactured the 1940's and 1960's were made of poor quality steel or aluminium you will need to look at buying new windows in order to properly protect your home from the elements. There are many window companies around who can produce a quality product which will reflect the age of your home without you having to lose out on your comfort.

Before you get your hammer out, study the above items as these are some things which will need to be considered when carrying out such a project.

Article Source: http://www.articlemap.com

For more information on home remodeling projects try visiting white-house-remodeling.info Why Remodelling Makes Sense

Please Rate this Article