If you’re in the market for an older home, keep your eyes open for a few building materials that have come to be known as historic failures. Replacing them with materials that meet today’s standards can be an expensive proposition.
These five building practices are among those I recommend educating yourself about before buying an existing home.
Single-strand aluminum wire
Many thousands of houses were built between 1964 and 1976 using single-strand interior aluminum wire. The wire was developed as an alternative to copper as its costs rose – and its availability fell – during the Vietnam War.
Aluminum doesn’t conduct electricity as well as copper, so a larger gauge must be used to conduct the same amount as copper. Because of specific properties of aluminum, however, the connections between the wire and a light switch or outlet can arc, causing a spark that can burn the connection point and eventually start a fire.
Fires are rare, but the possible hazard is enough to warrant repair or mitigation.
The aluminum wire can be replaced with copper, or special connectors can be installed between the aluminum wire and every outlet or light switch. Detailed information can be found at inspect-ny.com /aluminum.htm.
Masonite Woodruf roofing
Originally produced as an alternative to natural wood-shake roofs, Masonite Woodruf roofing was installed on many homes throughout the 1980s and 1990s. The shingles have the look of cedar shake but were developed to be much more stable and long-lasting.
Unfortunately, water penetration can cause shingles or whole sections of the roof to lift, curl or swell. The surface is dangerous to walk on because it can have a loose, powdery coating from the deteriorating Masonite.
These problems have led to a class- action lawsuit, now in settlement. Information about this settlement can be obtained at 800-256-6990, kinsella .com/masonite or Class Counsel c/o P.O. Box 925, Minneapolis, MN 55440-0925.
Polybutylene supply pipe
Polybutylene pipe was installed as water supply pipe in as many as 20,000 to 30,000 metro Denver homes between 1978 and 1997. This iron-gray plastic pipe replaced copper and, in older homes, galvanized steel as the main plumbing supply pipe.
Sections of pipe were joined together with special crimped couplers that sprang leaks at an alarming rate.
It was found that chemicals, including chlorine commonly added to the water supply, can erode the plastic, causing the joints to leak.
This pipe cannot be repaired but must be replaced. Estimates for removal and replacement can range from $5,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on the size of the house.
Class-action settlements have occurred. Information about them can be obtained in several ways: Spencer vs. Duncan, spencerclass.com, 800-490-6997; Cox vs. Shell, www.pbpipe.com, 800-356-3496. Information is also available at The Consumer Plumbing Recovery Center, 888-392-7591.
Federal Pacific electric panels
These panels, also called “Stab-Lok” panels, were popular with builders in the late 1960s and 1970s and are in thousands of metro Denver homes. They are widely considered to be unsafe. The breakers in them often will not trip, leading to overheating and, in some cases, fires.
In extensive testing by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the circuit breakers had a failure rate of approximately 25 percent.
The industry views them as obsolete, possibly dangerous, and recommends replacing them. Replacement cost is usually between $1,000 and $1,600.
Asbestos insulation
Asbestos was considered invaluable to manufacturers because it added strength and insulation properties to building materials. They used it in wall and ceiling insulation, floors and siding, and as an insulated wrapping on ductwork and pipes until 1972. Builders used those products in houses through 1978.
The mineral has since been found to cause serious health issues. When disturbed and floating in the air, asbestos fibers can be breathed in and can eventually cause lung cancer. The only safe way to deal with them is to remove or contain them.
Removal is costly and has to comply with approved Environmental Protection Agency methods. If asbestos is contained, it cannot come loose and float in the air. Ductwork and pipes can be wrapped or even painted with a special coating. Siding can be painted or covered with new siding, and floors can be left alone, sealed or covered over with another floor.
Alan Gould is a home inspector with U.S. Inspect. He can be reached at agould@usinspect.com.
