If your home is more than 50 years old, you may consider it a quirky relic. However, as charming as crown molding, arched doorways and stained glass windows can be, buying an older house comes with its own unique set of challenges. These properties require a bit more maintenance than a turn-of-the-century suburban residence. 

1. Insulate the Attic 

Attic insulation can deteriorate in old houses, causing gaps and drafts. In colder climates, this can result in increased energy usage and costly heating payments. You can easily resolve the issue by applying a new layer of insulation. Use canned spray foam around the casing and weatherstripping to seal gaps around pipes with fire-blocking caulk. 

2. Protect Against Drafts 

You might also protect the rest of the home from drafts and seal the building envelope by weatherproofing doors and windows. Apply caulk around window panes, the junctures of walls and ceilings, and around baseboards. For gaps more than one-quarter-inch wide, insert a piece of foam backer rod before covering with caulk. 

3. Look for Exposed Pipes

It's wise to inspect an old home's pipes, especially before the winter cold sets in. If there are leaks, be sure to call a plumber as soon as possible. Moreover, you should take care to wrap metal pipes in foam-rubber insulation. This step is especially important for protecting lines that may run through walls or the foundation, as they may be more likely to freeze and burst. 

4. Examine the Roof

Before it gets too chilly, climb up on the roof and give it a thorough inspection. Look for holes, loose shingles, crumbling pieces and cracks along seams. Shingles fall off old houses more easily, especially in harsh weather. Check asphalt for blistering and wood for rot, mold and splits, and make repairs before the first snowfall. Furthermore, be sure to clear the roof of debris and remove dirt, dead leaves and clogs from gutters to prevent ice damming.

5. Inspect Electrical Systems

Old homes are notorious for poor wiring and shoddy electrical work. Plus, additional outlets and appliances tend to put even more stress on already failing systems. Maintain and care for your electrical system by looking for scorch marks around breakers, fuses and outlets. Make sure they work and inspect outlet receptacles, replacing any that may be broken or loose. 

6. Landscape 

Last — but certainly not least — you must prioritize landscaping if you wish to maintain your old home. Could you add this line: Depending on if there's been any neglect, hiring a lawn care service like TruGreen in Illinois may be the right move to handle fertilization, aeration, overseeding and weed control. Remove low-hanging branches from trees, install an irrigation system to care for the lawn, and consider adding a walkway or garden. Finally, make sure the yard slopes away from the home to prevent flooding, foundational damage and other drainage issues. 

Preserving Character

Maintaining and preserving an old home takes a lot of hard work, not to mention a large budget. However, most of these houses are worth some extra care and attention. With frequent inspections and a little elbow grease, you can preserve the features that have given your residence character for decades. You just have to be willing to commit. 

Guest Contributor: Rose Morrison