Fire Hazards in Pre-1980 Homes

10/31/2019 (Permalink)

If your home is 40 or more years old, it may contain deadly fire hazards, such as an aging electrical system and no fire breaks. Get inspected now!

Almost 50,000 electrical house fires occur each year in the U.S., and if your house is more than 40 years old, you could be at risk of a fire largely because of your home’s age. The key to preventing many of these tragedies is a routine home inspection, especially if your house was built before 1980.

How is Your Wiring?

Unseen fire risks may by lurking in outdated wiring. Pay attention to these warning signs of a failing electrical system:

• flickering or dim lights
• sparks or smoke
• burning smells or unusual sounds like sizzles
• any kind of electrical shock
• damaged insulation
• frequent power outages
• warm or hot outlets or switches
• a shrinking television picture
• a need to use extension cords for everyday use

If you see any of these warning signs—or you can't remember the last time your electrical system was inspected—don’t delay! Many homes built before 1980 haven’t been inspected since they were built. Hire a licensed and insured electrician or electrical inspector to prevent a fire disaster in your home.

If Your House Was Built Before 1940

Many pre-1940 homes were built with balloon framing: a continuous wood stud wall that stretches from the foundation to the attic, with no fire breaks. This means a fire can spread from the floor to the roof in mere seconds!

If balloon framing is a possibility in your home, you definitely need to have it inspected! Unfortunately, a major remodel may be necessary to install fire breaks in your walls and ceilings. Still, costly home fire restorations are better than a devastating fire.

If your home or business suffers damage from a fire, call SERVPRO of West Hartford today at 860.206.6141

We’re Here for You

The team at SERVPRO of West Hartford has specialized training and experience in fire restoration and cleanup, as well as natural disaster and storm damage cleanup, water damage and mold remediation, and chemical and biohazard cleanup. Call SERVPRO of West Hartford (860.206.6141) any time.

Other Helpful Blog Posts

SERVPRO publishes educational articles on how you can protect your home and business from fire, water, mold, sewage, storm, natural disaster and other damage.

SERVPRO of West Hartford
100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
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Call 860.206.6141
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If your home or business suffers damage from a fire, call SERVPRO of West Hartford today at 860.206.6141