3 Ways To Support An Old House's Structure

There's nothing as beautiful or awe-inspiring as a well-restored home.  Older homes have a sophistication and class about them that no McMansion can compete against.  If a gorgeous older home has stolen your heart, but you're not sure it has the structure to support you moving forward- it's essential to consider how you can fix this.  Unfortunately, there's only so much you can do with a home if faulty support beams make a story of the house cave in.

Add Support to Current Beams

If you don't want to replace the beams entirely, or you like having the original beams in the home, you can add to them to help them support your family.  This plan may mean adding stays around it, adding in other beams directly connected to the original beams, or possibly adding masonry piers.  Beams that are sagging or doing poorly because of the house settling can be corrected for the time being but may be symptoms of a home that needs long term care and support.  It's vital to consider if the change you're making is a long term one or if you'll be willing to update it every couple of years.

Lighten And Spread Weight

Another fantastic option if you want added peace of mind is to add new beams.  Additional beams, spread out through your home, will give you more support without having to remove or replace the ones that are original to the house.  This plan means that your home will be able to handle more weight and add hundreds of years to the building's lifespan.  The best part of this plan is that you can construct the new beams out of anything you want, from steel to wood, and consider what's best for your home.  Keep in mind if you're going to blend this into the house, you may have to take down portions of the wall to rebuild them around the new beams.

Treat And Stop Rot Early

The absolute best way to stop your old beams from failing is to treat any rot or mold straight away.  When you’re looking at Charlotte houses for sale, consider what your home will need and what work is necessary.  Learn about the moisture in the area and how susceptible old homes are to mold or rot.  Unfortunately, no home can be guaranteed to last forever, so it's essential to do what you can to help them last longer.  Keep the moisture in your home at a reasonable level, treat rot and termite issues early, and look into resealing the wood.  You don't have to update every inch of your old home to keep it from falling apart; move forward with patience and a positive attitude.

Keeping an older home up and in use is a fantastic way to ensure our history moves forward. Every floorboard, every window, and every cellar tells a story of families and generations that have called this building home. Keep your home up and healthy, and you'll be the reason that it lives on for more generations to come.