5 Potential Dangers You Can Find In An Old House

Posted by First General Okanagan on July 5th, 2021

Before buying an old home, you should know what kind of dangers are lurking in it. Old homes might still have unhealthy and unsafe materials. Living there could put you in harm’s way. Here are just a few of the potential dangers that you can find in an old house:

  1. Asbestos

Asbestos is a common construction material used to build houses in the 1940s and later years. It is known for its ability to resist heat. You can find it in older homes used as insulation. However, asbestos fibers, when inhaled, could potentially lead to a lot of health issues including cancer and asbestosis. These health problems may even manifest years after the exposure.

You should have the house inspected first and make the sale contingent upon the results of the inspection. If there is asbestos in the property, make sure you undergo asbestos removal in Kelowna.

Asbestos removal in Kelowna should be done by professionals. This is to ensure that the fibers will not transfer elsewhere in the home. The fibers could travel through the air ducts in your home. If you need help with asbestos removal in Kelowna, make sure you hire professionals such as First General.

  1. Lead paint

This kind of paint was used before the 1960s. But the lead in it can become airborne and when this is inhaled, it can lead to a host of health problems including brain damage, kidney malfunction, and problems with the nervous system.

Again, you need the help of professionals to perform lead paint testing and removal. Make sure you are not in the house when this is done. Professionals have their own safety gear to protect them from the ill effects of lead paint.

  1. Old wiring

Another potential problem in older homes is outdated electrical wiring. This needs to be inspected because faulty wiring can lead to house fires. You can tell if the home has faulty wiring if the breakers keep on tripping. Old homes can’t accommodate the demands of a modern home. If you use a lot of appliances, you might experience this a lot.

Another tell-tale sign that a home has faulty or outdated wiring is flickering light. Whenever you turn on an appliance, the lights will flicker.

  1. Molds infestation

Molds are often a result of a leak in a home. If there are leaks in the attic, basement, and other areas where there are usually damaged plumbing pipes, the appearance of molds can ensue.

What can you do? You should have the house inspected by a professional first to determine its livability. If there are things that need to be fixed, negotiate the price of the home if you are still in the process of acquiring it. If you have already bought the house, hire professionals to fix the home and get rid of these dangers before living in it.

Adam Roy is the author of this article. For more details about Restoration Companies in Kelowna please visit our website: firstgeneralokanagan.com

Like it? Share it!


First General Okanagan

About the Author

First General Okanagan
Joined: August 31st, 2020
Articles Posted: 12

More by this author