A home is a significant investment, and purchasing an older property can come with some unique difficulties. The home's foundation is one such issue that is most often associated with older homes. However, older homes have been constructed with outdated engineering practices, and some materials may not have withstood the test of time for various reasons.
That being said, even newer homes can have foundation issues! This information should not deter potential purchasers that are looking for an older house; it should serve as a warning and call to prepare if the house of your dreams requires foundation repair.
How can you tell whether the foundation of an old house needs repair or not? Both the symptoms and the causes of foundation issues can be extensive. Some are environmental, while others are just a result of wear and tear. All of them are crucial to be aware of, especially if you are investing in an older or antique home. Since each symptom has its telltale signs and degrees of urgency, we will first discuss just what an old home is really considered.
What is "Old" Exactly?
A home is considered an older home in the real estate industry if it is older than 50 years, and it is considered a historic home if it is older than the 1920s. Homes from this era contain older materials like asbestos, which are now considered harmful, and innovations from earlier times, such as plastics. Many old houses have settled, and there are even houses whose floors are smooth rocks. These features could limit your options in trying to retain the home's historic integrity, should the foundation of the home require repair.Typical Symptoms of Foundation Issues
Older houses will feature indicators of significant wear on the foundation. These, however, do not necessarily mean there is a foundation issue. If you notice them and are unsure, have a professional evaluate them because they can be symptoms of other problems.- Concrete cracks: These cracks could simply indicate the concrete is deteriorating or could potentially point to a much larger problem. For instance, hairline cracks are not indicative of a foundation issue but fissures bigger than 14 inches may be serious.
- Doors and windows: Doors and windows are the most likely places to notice foundation problems. Stress around the frames, particularly at the top, may indicate a problem with the foundation. The foundation may also need attention if the doors and windows don't open or close properly.
- Floors and Supports: When floors, support beams, and load-bearing walls exhibit wear, foundation issues become very visible. Uneven floors or supports that are decaying and cracking are frequently big warning signs for foundation issues.
Typical Tree Root Causes of Foundation Issues
Not all foundation issues are related to the strength of the foundation. While the deteriorating foundation may be the root of the problem, other influences are frequently blamed for the trouble.- Roots: Trees can grow significantly in 50 to 100 years, and their root systems can seriously jeopardize a house's foundation. Because some trees have extensive root systems, a tree that was once a sapling on the lot across the street when the house was first constructed might now pose a threat, having reached maturity. There are ways to fix this, but they can be expensive, particularly if the problem is coming from an old, well-established tree.
