Most of the houses built in the 1970's have insulation although we have found houses in Southern California with no insulation through 1974. They typically have R-19 or about 4 inches of insulation.
When buying a house built in the 1970s, you should definitely pay attention to a few potential concerns, including asbestos, lead-based paint, aluminum wiring, and lead pipes.
It may be surprising that homes in the 1970s were built well, and in some cases, built better than modern houses. Houses built in the 1970s are usually weathertight, tend to withstand extreme weather conditions, and are structurally sound with proper ventilation, weather-proof windows, subfloors, and solid foundations.
Do 1970s houses have cavity wall insulation? Houses built in the 1970s generally have cavity walls, but not all were constructed with insulation.
Homes built before the 1980s likely have asbestos in them. For instance, if these homes have popcorn ceilings or vinyl flooring, they may contain asbestos. A simple rule is the newer a home is, the less likely it has asbestos materials. Homes built before the 1980s are likely to contain the mineral somewhere.
The only way to be sure whether a material contains asbestos is to have it tested by a qualified laboratory. EPA only recommends testing suspect materials if they are damaged (fraying, crumbling) or if you are planning a renovation that would disturb the suspect material.
1975: The EPA banned asbestos pipe insulation and asbestos block insulation, impacting boilers and hot water tanks. 1989: The EPA banned new uses of asbestos. 1990: The EPA banned spray-on asbestos insulation in buildings, structures, pipes, and conduits except under specific conditions.
Older homes often will need their insulation replaced, simply because the quality of insulation has so greatly improved since the 1970s. However, long before the insulation expires, a new batch of insulation will likely settle and lose some of its effectiveness.
Spray foam insulation took the market by storm in and around the 1970s. It was new, fast, clean and efficient.
If your home is 30 or more years old, you should consider replacing its electrical wiring. Homes built before 1985 can have old and outdated wiring. Wiring in older homes is often for only 60 amps, and newer appliances require upwards of 200 amps.
What are 70s style houses called? Homes built in the 1970s often fall under the category of “ranch-style”, or “one-story ranch” houses, though this decade also saw the rise of split-level homes and contemporary styles.
On a winter day when it's cool and rainy outside, go around and touch parts of your home, like the interior ceilings, walls, and floors. They should all feel warm and dry. If the drywall and paneling in these spaces do, that's a great sign that your home is well insulated.
Aluminum wire (1960s-1970): Aluminum wiring was briefly popular as an alternative to copper but fell out of use over fire safety concerns. Plastic electrical conduit (1990-present): Plastic tube enclosure containing multiple conducting wires that has largely replaced metal conduit.
Residential properties built before 1978 often contain lead paint. As the paint deteriorates, particles break off and turn into lead dust. This also produces lead-based paint chips. Both these things are hazardous and can cause serious health complications.
If you're wondering how to tell if you have cavity wall insulation, there are a few telltale signs you can look for. The simplest way is to check your brickwork for drill holes. If you notice small, evenly spaced holes that have been filled in, this is a sign that cavity wall insulation is installed.
Cavity wall insulation typically lasts between 20 and 100 years, and many insulation manufacturers offer a 25-year warranty on their materials. If your home was built after the 1920s when building regulations changed, then it likely has cavity walls instead of solid walls.
A well-insulated home is seen as a more valuable investment due to its energy efficiency and reduced maintenance needs. By removing a failing wall insulation (and replacing it with a new one), you're preserving the integrity and value of your home.
Insulation lasts much longer than you would think. According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, house wrap, spray foam, and wrap tape can last upwards of 80 years or more. Cellulose, foam board, white loose-fill, rock wool, fiberglass, and loose fill can all last more than 100 years.
Short-term Exposure
Direct contact with fiberglass or breathing airborne dust containing fiberglass may irritate the skin, eyes, nose, and throat. The symptoms of irritation are often nonspecific, temporary, and may include itching, coughing, or wheezing.
In an older home, asbestos may be in the paint, insulation and floor tiles. Many U.S. homes and public buildings built before the 1980s, such as schools and office buildings, contain asbestos.
Homes built in 1976 are likely to contain asbestos, as the mineral was widely used in construction materials until it was phased out in the late 1980s. Asbestos was popular due to its fire resistance and durability, making it a common component in vinyl flooring, ceiling tiles, insulation, and roofing.
Additionally, it's basically impossible to identify asbestos once the industry mines, breaks down, colors, and manufactures asbestos or vermiculite with other materials like insulation. Vermiculite-asbestos insulation resembles rocky gravel. It is installed by pouring it into the desired location.