In the previous section, we discussed houses aged 0-15 years. Now, let's delve into the details of houses that are over 15 years old. Typically, homes in this category start undergoing significant renovations or extensions due to an increase in household members, and this is also when the house or building begins to show signs of deterioration. Therefore, homeowners may encounter various issues affecting their living conditions more frequently during this age group. Common problems include:
· Issues with surface materials in various areas
· Problems with building systems

In this section, we will focus on inspecting surface materials and building systems.

1. Issues with Surface Materials in Various Areas
A common issue that arises is the deterioration of building surface materials. The term 'surface materials' refers to the decorative materials used for floors and walls, as well as roofing materials.

1.1 Floor Materials
Cracks in the parking area or walkways around the house can occur due to uneven settling of the ground.

Observation Points: You may start to notice that the floor is separating and has different levels, or there may be a depression in the middle of the parking area with accompanying cracks. This often happens because the structural area in question is typically a slab on the ground without any underground support or pilings, unlike a house designed with a slab on beams, which has pilings underneath. The mentioned cracks are not dangerous and do not compromise the structural integrity of the house; they may just be an annoyance and make the area difficult to use.

Solution: If homeowners do not want to demolish the existing floor, they can address the issue by cutting the joint between the beam-supported floor and the ground-supported floor. At the joint, gravel can be spread, or if there are only a few cracks, foam can be used to seal the joint, topped with a filler material such as PU or silicone.

In cases where cracks occur in the middle of the parking area with separation at the joint edges, merely cutting the structure may not fully resolve the issue. It is advisable to remove the problematic parking area and pour a new slab. When pouring a new slab, the joint between the house structure and the parking area should also be separated. Additionally, if pouring concrete over a very large area, joints should be cut every 3 meters to prevent cracking due to the contraction of the concrete.

For advice on home improvement and repairs, consult the experts at SCG Home at https://bit.ly/3CQUNku.

Alternatively, you may consider using paving blocks or concrete tiles instead of concrete flooring, as they can be easily adjusted and reinstalled if further settling occurs. Nowadays, there are many styles and colors available that should meet the needs of many homeowners.

1.2 Wall Materials
Observation Points: Peeling paint, mold on the walls, and moisture accumulation are signs that there may be cracks in the walls or that the wall paint may be deteriorating. This often occurs on the first floor, about 1 meter above the ground.

Solution: First, clean and remove the mold from the walls. Then, address the wall's leakage issues using waterproofing products. Use a grinder to remove the paint down to the bare concrete, about 1 meter above the ground. After that, apply a waterproofing product and leave it for about 15-20 days. Once you confirm that the wall is moisture-free, before painting the exterior wall, apply a moisture barrier about 1 meter above the ground and let it dry for at least 3-4 hours before proceeding to paint. Choose a paint that effectively prevents moisture to help avoid future peeling issues.

1.3 Roofing Materials
Cracked Roof Tiles
Observation Points: Check the condition of the roof tiles for any cracks, as this may be a cause of leaks. If homeowners have not yet noticed water leaking inside the building, they can check for water stains on the ceiling, which is a sign that the roof may be starting to have problems.

Solution: If water stains or leaks are found inside the building, check the roof's condition for any damage. Besides issues with the roof tiles, other factors may contribute, such as damaged flashing or overflowing gutters. If homeowners are not skilled in inspection, they should contact a professional for further analysis and repairs. For additional consultation, SCG HOME offers both repair services and complete roof replacement by skilled technicians.

Faded Roof Color or Black Mold
Observation Points: A faded roof or dirt accumulation on the surface can make the house look unattractive, especially for older homes. Roofs without a protective coating tend to show dirt and moss more than glossy tiles due to their rougher surface, which allows dirt to adhere more easily.

Solution: Cleaning can be done with a high-pressure washer, but care should be taken to avoid spraying water on joints or vulnerable areas, as this may cause the roof to crack or become damaged. After cleaning, the roof can be repainted to restore its brightness. For further consultation, SCG HOME offers roof painting services to help rejuvenate your home.

2. Issues with Building Systems
2.1 Electrical Work
Observation Points: Check electrical devices, outlets, wires, and switches to ensure they are functioning properly. If any are damaged or show abnormalities, they should be repaired immediately, as this can affect safety and property. Especially, exposed wires may deteriorate faster than those in conduits.

2.2 Sanitary Work
Inability to Drain Wastewater Outside
Observation Points: If wastewater cannot drain from the house to the public sewer due to the house being lower than the road, this may occur when the surrounding area changes, such as when the road in front of the house is raised, causing the public sewer line to also be elevated, making it difficult for wastewater to drain outside.

Solution: Adjust the area around the house by creating a barrier and digging a catch basin, then use a pump to remove water outside the house. For wastewater that flows back from the public sewer, the outlet of the sewer line should be sealed, and the existing catch basin should be raised, installing a submersible pump to remove water to allow normal drainage from the house.

For advice on home improvement and repairs, consult the experts at SCG Home at https://bit.ly/3CQUNku.