- Old home maintenance requires upkeep to prevent any damage that may occur.
- Historic buildings may need extra attention and love to keep looking pretty and functional.
- With Old Home Rescue you can cover all of your historic home needs from an inspection to help with restoration reach out today.
Owning a historic home in Oklahoma City can be very rewarding. These homes carry lots of community, cultural, and architectural history Unlike more modern homes, historic homes carry properties that may have outdated features and systems. From foundations to HVAC systems, every detail matters when it comes to protecting your investment. At Old Home Rescue, we specialize in maintaining and restoring historic homes so they remain both functional and full of character for generations to come.
Importance of Maintenance For Old Homes
The features in old homes may use outdated materials that need proper maintenance. Materials like wood, plaster, and bricks used in older buildings can deteriorate faster without consistent upkeep. Common issues include drafts, pests, and more with the outdated wiring plumbing that may require inspections frequently. Sometimes the original craftsmanship can mean repairs should prioritize restoration over replacement to maintain historic authenticity. The maintenance is often more costly than more modern homes. This will require a bigger budget for upkeep. There are many unique challenges that old homes face that more modern buildings may not. Local restoration and preservation guidelines may limit what updates or changes will be allowed, and this makes things more complicated.
Old Home Maintenance Check-list
There are a few major things to keep in mind when thinking about old home maintenance. Old Home Rescue is the perfect place for you to let them take care of any of your old home maintenance.
Exterior Maintenance for Historic Homes
Preserving the original features like wood siding, masonry, and decorative trim will require sealing and regular cleanings. Along with that, paintings will be necessary to prevent deterioration and keep it looking beautiful. It is important to stay aware of warning signs on the exterior of your home, so you can detect issues before they become deeper problems. Look for warning signs like bubbling paint, soggy wood, or crumbling mortar.
Historic Home Roof/Gutter Preservation
Home repair will entail preserving your gutters and your roof to prevent damage. Historic homes usually utilize roof materials such as tile, clay, and slate, that require expert care. Cleaning your gutters and downspouts frequently to prevent clogs and water damage in older systems. There are many warning signs to look out for such as leaks in the attic, missing roof shingles, or water stains on your walls. Staying keen to the signs is important for old home maintenance so you don’t miss any signs that may lead to lasting damage.
HVAC Systems For Historic Homes
Old homes will require a little bit of a different system when it comes to HVAC. Installing or updating HVAC systems in historic homes can be challenging due to limited duct space and fragile original construction. It is important to stay on top of HVAC systems and do annual maintenance to avoid unnecessary issues. It will allow systems to be efficient and reduce strain on older electric systems. There are a few things to look for that can help you identify issues. Airflow issues, unusually high energy bills, excessive dust and excessive humidity can all be signs of issues. Preservation minded companies like Old Home Rescue help to ensure that HVAC upgrades or repairs don’t compromise the home’s historic value. Energy efficiency can be improved by sealing drafts and improving insulation along with HVAC maintenance.
Foundational Integrity
Cracks, moisture intrusion, and settling of the foundation can weaken your home’s structure over time. Preventative maintenance is very important and will include gutter upkeep, soil grading, and proper water drainage. Preventive maintenance is important to maintain foundational integrity and avoid future damage. There are many warning signs to look for when thinking about how to preserve your historic homes’ foundational integrity. Reinforcing historic homes should focus on stabilizing your homes foundation and wont interfere with the homes original character.
Signs include:
- Cracked walls
- Uneven floors
- Sticking doors and windows
- visible foundation cracks
Keeping Original Charm
Exterior features help to keep your home looking how it was originally and keeps its classic charm. Repairing things like windows and doors as well as decorative details and painting will keep the home visually authentic. Balancing cosmetic upgrades with preservation of original craftsmanship ensures you keep the historical accuracy. Routine upgrades and care extends the life of authentic features while reducing the need for costly replacements.
Deterioration signs include:
- Rotting wood
- Peeling finishes
- Broken trim pieces
Professional Old Home Maintenance in OKC
Reach out to Old Home Rescue for all of your historic home maintenance needs. Our skilled historic building remodeling contractors bring extensive experience in both residential and commercial historic building restoration. We enjoy taking on projects that require precision and a deep knowledge of preservation practices. From unique home renovations to old house renovations, and restoration of aging properties, our historic building preservation services breathe new life into each space while honoring its unique past. At Old Home Rescue, we believe every historic home and building tells a meaningful story. One that deserves to be protected and passed down to future generations. Our mission is to thoughtfully repair, restore, and renovate historic structures with care, craftsmanship, and respect for their original character. If you’re looking for historic building restoration services, then Old Home Rescue is the right place to be.
