Homes are the largest investments, it’s imperative for homeowners to be able to recognise the signs of ageing, not only to protect their investments but also because most issues caught early will be an easy fix, whilst if ignored they can become very costly – and even difficult – to fix later on.
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 step to prevent these issues from becoming long-term problems.
According to Grahame Diedericks, Manager Principal for Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty in Midrand, most issues are easily managed if caught in time.
“With ageing homes, it’s definitely a case of ‘a stitch in time saves nine’ and this can be especially critical if you are thinking of selling in the not-too-distant future because of having to fix several major problems in one go can be financially crippling.
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“Also, it could delay or even scupper the sale as you won’t be able to transfer the property until you have all your compliance certificates which include plumbing and electrical.”
Diedericks says that the following are the most common signs to be on the lookout for:
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 be an indication of 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, especially in autumn, 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 gettering but 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.
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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 that is 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 brick is penetrated by moisture which can freeze and it 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.
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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.
“Wear and tear is par for the course with older homes but it needn’t be a catastrophe, and by regularly checking for these signs of ageing, you’ll be able to stay on top of the matter rather than have to do major – and expensive - repairs at a later stage.
“And, at the end of the day, your home is probably your largest investment and it makes sense to protect it and ensure it retains its value," says Diedericks.
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It’s not that difficult to spot potential problems if you regularly take a closer look at your home exterior. Home-Dzine shares a list of items that should be inspected at least once a year:
7. Roof repairs
Few homeowners take the time to take a closer look at the roof and a quick glance from a distance might not reveal hidden problems. A better inspection can be done with a stepladder or by access to your roof space.
Something as small as a cracked roof tile or roof tile that has slipped out of place can have disastrous consequences. The sooner you can fix this up, the less chance of damage to the property.
Whether you have a clay tile roof, IBR roof or flat roof, you should be able to spot potential problems that could cause damage in the future. On an IBR roof, check wear on roof washers and inspect flashings around the edge. Flat roofs are notorious for leaks, so always be on the lookout for any roofing material coming loose or lifting up.
With older homes it is vital to inspect flashings around skylights and chimneys or along roof junctions where the mortar tends to come loose and crumble. These are repairs that shouldn't be put off.
8. Gutters and downpipes
Climatic change has brought about a drastic change in weather patterns, and no matter where you live, you will have first-hand experience of increased flooding or drought. Excess rains and flash floods can quickly overpower your gutters and downspouts and cause or reveal problems.
It’s difficult to spot problems with gutters and downpipes during the dry season, so when possible, go outside when heavy rains occur to inspect these areas on your house. With the aid of an umbrella you can check to see if there are any leaks or overflow caused by blockages - all of which will damage the integrity of walls and plaster and could lead to serious damages.
By cleaning gutters regularly you can at least tick this off your 'to-do' list.
9. Damage to walls
Checking exterior walls for damage will reveal problem areas that can be attended to before they become serious. Walk around the base of your home’s exterior and be on the lookout for spots where walls, pools, or where trees and large shrubs can damage walls. It's easy for you to cut back or trim large trees that have become overgrown and to dig out drainage if your garden becomes waterlogged with heavy rains.
While checking exterior walls, also check for loose, damaged plaster and bricks, or areas where paint is bubbling or peeling.
10. Inspect windows and doors
Inspect windows and doors, steel or wood, for signs of rust and rot. Windows are often forgotten, especially in a double-storey home where they are not easily inspected, but should not be left untreated. Annual maintenance on steel or wooden window frames will prevent possible problems and eliminate the need to replace them at a later stage. Check the frames themselves for loose panes and areas where glass putty is cracking and then check around the frames for any gaps in the surrounding bricks or plaster.
On wooden window frames it is also important to check for rot or insect infestation, as both can cause severe damage if not attended to as soon as possible.
11. Plan of action
Compile a list of problems encountered during your inspection to decide what you can do yourself or if you need to hire a specialist. If the list is extensive and you simply don't have the budget to do everything at once, determine the order of importance for each project then try to schedule repairs so that you don't have to worry and can complete the work as quickly as possible.
Bear in mind that prevention is always better than cure, and an annual inspection will allow you to spot potential problems before they become serious issues. Don't let a problem escalate - in some cases a temporary fix will see you through until you can afford a more permanent solution.
*article updated 06 November 2023
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