Did You Know That 57% of the Homes in Lancaster County Were Built Before 1950? Here’s How to Maintain Your 75+ Year Old Home
Lancaster County, PA, is known for its rich history, scenic farmlands, and charming historic homes. Over half of the homes in the area were built before 1950, making foundation maintenance a major concern for many homeowners.
If you live in an older home, foundation issues can become a serious concern over time. Understanding the signs, causes, and solutions for old home foundation repair is crucial to maintaining your home’s integrity.
This guide will help you:
- Recognize common foundation warning signs in older homes
- Understand what causes foundation damage in Lancaster County homes
- Learn simple DIY checks before calling a professional
- Know when to schedule an expert foundation inspection
Why Older Homes in Lancaster County Are More Prone to Foundation Issues
Like any structure, a home’s foundation naturally weakens with time. But older homes, especially those built before modern construction standards, are even more susceptible to foundation damage due to factors like:
- Aging Materials: Many historic homes in Lancaster County were built with fieldstone or early concrete mixtures that lack the durability of modern construction materials, making them more vulnerable to moisture damage and deterioration.
- Soil Movement: Pennsylvania’s mix of clay and silt soil expands and contracts with seasonal moisture changes, which can cause foundations to settle unevenly.
- Drainage Problems: Many older homes in the county weren’t built with modern drainage systems, leading to water pooling around foundations and accelerating damage.
- Extreme Weather: Freeze-thaw cycles common in Lancaster County can cause foundation materials to crack over time, especially in homes without updated waterproofing.
Common Foundation Issues in Older Homes
If you own an older home, foundation repair may become a necessary investment. Here are some of the most common signs of foundation problems:
Problem
What It Means
Foundation settling or soil movement
Structural shifts affecting frame alignment
Sinking foundation or soil displacement
Uneven settling of the foundation
Foundation cracks allowing moisture in
What to Do
Monitor small cracks; call for large or widening ones
Check for gaps around frames
Conduct a DIY level check, call a professional if severe
Monitor and assess if gaps widen
Improve drainage, consider waterproofing
Your house may have more than one of these issues, and that’s common. If you’ve noticed multiple signs from this list, it may be time to schedule a foundation inspection and invest in basement waterproofing and foundation repair solutions before damage gets worse.
DIY Foundation Checks for Lancaster Homeowners
Before calling a professional, homeowners can conduct simple checks to assess potential foundation damage:
- Look for Exterior Cracks: Walk around your home and inspect the foundation for cracks. Small hairline cracks may be normal, but larger or widening cracks could indicate a serious issue.
- Test Doors and Windows: If multiple doors or windows suddenly become difficult to close, it could be due to foundation shifting.
- Inspect the Floors: Walk across rooms and feel for dips or slopes. Placing a marble on the floor can help you see if it rolls in one direction on its own.
- Check for Water in the Basement: Musty smells, damp walls, or puddles can indicate foundation cracks allowing moisture inside.
When to Call a Professional for Foundation Repair
If your old home’s foundation repair needs go beyond minor maintenance, professional help is recommended. Here’s why foundation repair experts should be contacted early on:
- Early Detection Saves Money: Catching foundation issues early prevents costly repairs in the future.
- Expert Assessment is Key: A professional inspection can determine the extent of the damage and recommend the best solutions.
- Long-Term Stability: Investing in foundation repair ensures your home remains safe and secure for decades to come.
Protect Your Historic Home’s Foundation With Groundworks
Older homes in Lancaster County add charm and history to the area, but they require extra care to remain structurally sound. By understanding the risks, recognizing early warning signs, and taking action with old home foundation repair, you can protect your investment and keep your home standing strong for years to come.
If you’ve noticed signs of foundation problems, don’t wait until it’s too late. Schedule a free foundation inspection today and safeguard your home’s future with Groundworks.
Old Home Foundation Repair FAQs
Yes, homes built before 2000 often don’t meet current seismic standards and may require retrofitting to improve their resilience during earthquakes.
Wood rot can affect homes of any age if moisture and ventilation issues are present in crawl spaces or other wood-heavy areas.
Yes, foundation repair restores the stability and integrity of your building, preventing further damage. Solutions like helical piles and polyurethane injection provide long-lasting support for your foundation.
Related Resources
