All materials have a lifespan and even the most well-built homes will eventually start to show their age, as a homeowner, you need to know what signs to look for so you can take steps to prevent these issues from becoming long-term problems.
If you are doing regular home maintenance you will easily spot these signs that something needs to be replaced or updated as quickly as possible. Not only will this help you live comfortably now, but it will also allow your home to retain its value much better.
The most common signs to look out for are:
1. Water Leaks
Look for evidence of leaks or water stains around the interior of your home and especially beneath bathroom areas as this could indicate a plumbing system that’s nearing the end of its lifespan.
When checking visible piping, look for any rusted or corroded materials and if you find any, it’s best to call in a plumber sooner rather than later as you are very likely to spring a major leak.
2. Sagging gutters
Sagging gutters can simply be a result of neglecting to regularly clean them out, but it can also be an indication of more serious wear and tear over the years.
The remedy may be a matter of just replacing one section of guttering. Still, it could also be an indication of a rotting roof with mould growth from excessive water, so if yours is an older home, it’s advisable to get the whole roof checked out if the gutters start to sag.
3. Damaged roof shingles
Your home’s exterior is its first line of defence against the elements and the roof generally takes the worst beating but, as it’s mostly out of sight and not easy to inspect, it’s easy to miss the first signs of damage.
If the edges of your shingles are curling, your roof needs attention and if granules are missing and worn and starting to appear “bald”, it’s an indication that the shingle thinning down and will therefore no longer hold up very well against the elements. Likewise, cracked shingles should be replaced as soon as spotted.
4. Breaking brick and mortar
Brick is a classic material associated with strength and integrity but, although it is more durable than most, it will also age over time and you need to keep an eye out for brick that’s starting to break apart.
Known as spalling, this usually happens in colder weather when the brick is penetrated by moisture which can freeze and can’t be repaired; it needs to be replaced.
Mortar, too, will also eventually begin to break down, and as soon as you see this start to happen, you need to scrape out the old mortar and replace it with new, sealing any gaps between the bricks.
5. Your pipes make banging noises
While even properly-installed plumbing isn't always silent and it’s possible for a section to break loose so when you shut the water off, the pipes bang because they're not secured properly in the walls and this often happens over time.
So, if you notice that there's a cacophony of noises behind your walls every time you wash the dishes or take a shower, your pipes need to be inspected and may need reinforcement or even replacement.
6. Flickering lights
This could be a sign of loose service conductors in your main electrical panel, an outdated breaker box with worn connectors, or a switch failure which are not uncommon problems in older homes.
Loose or outdated wiring is one of the leading causes of house fires, so it’s not an issue that should be ignored – call the electrician as soon as you notice the flickering beginning to occur.
