From Fuse Boards to Fire Hazards: The Dangers of an Outdated Home
A friend of mine recently bought a house, which hadn’t been updated since the previous owners bought it in the 1970s. It’s a great house but wow, does it need some work done to it?
We took a walk around the house together, taking note of the potential hazards and areas that needed attention. Even though she knew it was in bad condition, it was shocking the number of areas that we spotted that were potential dangers.
Fuse boards, asbestos, old wiring, mould and loose windows, take a walk with us and we’ll identify the issues and how they can be solved.
What to look for in an older home
There is a real charm to living in an older house - they often have interesting features, a big garden, and a great location. But if the walls could talk, they might warn you of the dangers within. Here’s a look at some of the common dangers of living in an older house that might need to be addressed sooner or later.
Faulty Wiring
Faulty wiring and electrical malfunctions can cause fires. Faulty electrics (appliances, wiring, and overloaded sockets) cause around 4,000 fires in homes across the country every year.
It was clear that the wiring in my friend’s house would need replacing. Wiring can go bad for several reasons, including system overloading and rodents chewing the wires behind your walls. It is important to check your wiring to make sure that it is safe. It is recommended that a qualified electrician carries out an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) on your home every 10 years to ensure the safety of everyone on the property. An EICR will identify damage and wear and tear on an electrical system to prevent any potential accidents.
Fuse Board
In London in 2014, around 5 fires a week were caused by fuse boards. Since then, new regulations have been brought in to ensure that all fuse boards fitted in the UK are made of fireproof material or housed in a special fireproof box.
There are a few indicators that you may have problems with your fuse board, such as flickering lights, unresponsive sockets, a burning smell or frequent tripping. If this is happening in your home, then it is worth getting an EICR carried out which should highlight any problems with the fuse board.
It is important to replace the fuse board if there are any electrical safety issues with it. Although it may have complied with regulations at the time it was fitted, these have probably been superseded by new regulations for consumer electrical safety.
Why is this so important? Well, if something should happen and your fuse board does not have the necessary protection, there could be a risk of fire or an electric shock. Fuse boards should be fitted with an RCD (Residual Current Device) which is designed to prevent you from getting an electric shock, and provides some protection from electrical fires. The fuse board in my friend’s house did not have an RCD and so would need replacing.
In addition to this, if you are planning any indoor electrician installations, such as converting a loft or garage, or extending your home, then it is worthwhile getting your fuse board checked to make sure it is up to the job of the extra electrical demand.
Mould
Mouldy bread is bad enough, a mouldy home is really something to worry about. Mould thrives in warm, humid areas. We found mould in her bathroom and kitchen. If left to grow, black mold exposure can lead to health issues, like wheezing, skin irritations and even asthma.
Not all mould is toxic, but nonetheless, you should make sure any mould is dealt with to prevent any long-term health conditions.
Asbestos and Lead Paint
Asbestos was banned in late 1999 and is often still found in industrial and residential buildings. Exposure to asbestos can cause cancer, lung disease and other conditions. If you suspect that there may be materials containing asbestos within your home then you should contact a specialist to have it properly removed.
Until the 1960s, paints containing lead were common, and it is likely that some proportion of lead will be present in pre-1960s paintwork. Too much lead in our bodies isn’t healthy. The easiest way to deal with lead paintwork is to seal it with an overcoating of modern paint, but it is always best to get advice from an expert.
There was potential for asbestos and lead paint in this house, and so we had some materials checked by a specialist.
Windows
A surprising danger in an older home is the windows. Children can fall out of an unsecured window, and window blind cords can be a choking hazard. Loose windows should be repaired or replaced.
A window catch or restrictor can be used to restrict the distance that the window opens, thus meaning no one can fall out of it. You should install a safety device to ensure any loose cords cannot be played with by children.
Conclusion
Of course, my friend’s house is an extreme example of an outdated home. But many of us live in houses which would benefit from some updates. For example, if your electrical system hasn’t been updated for 25-30 years then it is worth getting it checked with an EICR for peace of mind. In most cases, there will be no immediate danger, but an electrician can make recommendations to update your system. It is always worth securing upstairs windows with window restrictors to prevent any accidents. Mould, asbestos and lead paint should be checked and dealt with by a professional.
