The 1960s was a turbulent decade—the Vietnam War, the civil rights movement, and the Moon landing. It also offered a shift in music fashion, and architectural trends. The homes built in the 1960s had a smaller blueprint than today’s homes. Even those mobile homes for sale in Fenton MI, the blueprint they produce are quite smaller compared to the modern houses we have now. And now that these homes are over 50 years old, they’re beginning to show some issues.
Exterior Walls and Foundation
Most of the homes built in the 1960s had foundations of concrete slab-on-grade. Slab-on-grade is a shallow foundation where the slab rests directly on the ground below. The slab’s thick edges served as the foundation. These foundation types don’t have crawl spaces.
Slab-on-grade foundations are quick and easy to install. However, they are also prone to flooding, heat loss, drainage issues, soil settlement, and foundation cracks. Settling will happen in older homes. Cracks more than an eighth of an inch across are a reason to worry.
Energy Efficiency
Cheap and pathetic are two words to describe energy in the 1960s. Uninsulated single-pane windows were the norm, and attic and wall insulation were almost nonexistent. Contractors didn’t build homes with the same concerns homeowners have today.
Not to mention asbestos. You may be familiar with the insulation type, but there are some interesting facts about asbestos you may not know. There is no safe level of asbestos exposure, and issues can take years to develop. Hire professionals to investigate your home for asbestos to remove and avoid this cancer-causing risk.
Upgrade your home with energy-efficient windows and insulation. You’ll lower your energy bills and create a more comfortable house.
Poor Plumbing
The typical plumbing used in the 1960s was galvanized pipes. The average life expectancy is around 50 years, so if a home built in the 60s still has the original plumbing, it will need replacing. Rust begins to form on the inside, creating bad water flow. If you’ve recently moved into a home built in this period, take a close look at the pipes for leaks and rust. Consider replacing them with better piping, such as copper.
Every home ages. If you recently bought a house built in the 1960s, pay close attention to the common problems listed above. They will help you find issues before they become massive and costly concerns.