Houses built in the 1890s
National checks that apply to at least one year in the 1890s: Lead paint, Balloon framing, Lime mortar, Lime plaster, Knob-and-tube wiring, Asbestos. Worth checking for this era. A year page has the list for that year.
- Lead paint
Federal law requires a lead-paint disclosure for most housing built before 1978. Worth checking for this era.
- Balloon framing
HUD says platform framing replaced balloon framing from the 1850s to the 1920s in different areas. Balloon framing commonly has concealed spaces that extend unblocked from the basement to the attic, and those cavities can let fire spread between floors. Commonly reported, verify. Worth checking for this era.
HUD: Rehab guideline: Fire RatingsNational Park Service: Structural fire: preserving a legacy
- Lime mortar
Portland cement was first made in the United States in 1872 and was not in common use until the early 20th century, about 1919. Brick or stone from this era commonly used lime mortar. Repointing with hard Portland cement mortar can damage soft old brick. Old foundations need a moisture check. Verify the mortar before you repoint. Worth checking for this era.
National Park Service: Preservation Brief 2: Repointing Mortar Joints in Historic Masonry BuildingsNational Park Service: Preservation Brief 39: Holding the Line: Controlling Unwanted Moisture in Historic Buildings
- Lime plaster
Until the end of the 19th century, plasterers commonly used lime plaster on wood lath, with fiber from animal hair (cattle or hog hair). Gypsum plaster came into use around 1900. Verify which plaster is on the walls. Worth checking for this era.
National Park Service: Preservation Brief 21: Repairing Historic Flat Plaster — Walls and Ceilings
- Knob-and-tube wiring
Active knob-and-tube in houses built through the 1940s is commonly reported, verify. HUD’s appraisal guide says it can remain if it is in good condition and the service is at least 60 amps. Worth checking for this era.
- Asbestos
EPA’s home guide says sprayed or troweled ceilings in homes built or remodeled between 1945 and 1978 may contain asbestos, and that EPA prohibited spray-applied asbestos insulation in 1973. Intact material is not, by itself, a project. Worth checking for this era.