If you own an older home in Toronto or the GTA, there are certain concerns to keep in mind. A key consideration that could be affecting the safety of your home, family, and assets – as well as your property value – is cloth wiring. This type of electrical wiring was a popular choice in decades past but is now an outdated type of wiring.
In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about this vintage electrical system and how you can arrange to have your cloth electrical wires replaced.
What is Cloth Wiring?
Cloth wires were used in new-home constructions from the 1940s to the early 1960s. However, there were significant risks with this type of wiring, so it was replaced by more modern, safer, plastic-coated wiring around the mid-1960s.
Risks of Having Cloth Wiring in House
Understandably, safety in your home is paramount. A safe living environment will protect your loved ones and assets, as well as also offer you peace of mind. If you live in an older home that has cloth wires, there are significant risks that you should be aware of, including:
- Cloth wires pre-date the temperature rating of electrical wires, which raises concerns about the heat that may emit from the wiring.
- Cloth wires don’t contain a bonding conductor that prevents shocks, which can lead to serious health and safety concerns. ESA grounding and bonding need to be conducted for your safety.
Old Electrical Wiring and Your Home’s Resale Value
Another concern to keep in mind is your home’s resale value. Different types of old electrical wiring, including cloth wires, are now considered outdated and pose several risks. If you’re planning to sell your home, old electrical wiring may affect the sale of your home and its resale value. Reasons for this include:
- Buyers may not make an offer, causing your home to remain on the market for longer and become less likely to receive a competitive offer.
- Buyers may make an offer that is below the market ask to offset the costs of rewiring.
- Buyers may require you to replace the wiring before finalizing a deal.
Learn more about how old electrical wiring can decrease your home’s resale value in this informative blog.
Replacing Cloth Wiring: Adding Safety and Value to Your Home
Upgrading old electrical wiring should be on your priority list for safety and peace of mind. In addition, it’s also something that you should be mindful of if you’re planning to sell your home.
You’ll benefit from electrical wiring that meets today’s electrical needs and features grounding and temperature ratings. A modern wiring system can also position you to sell your home faster, easier, and at a higher resale value.
The biggest benefit, however, is safety. Replacing cloth wires is a smart investment that prioritizes your family’s well-being. Put your family first by choosing modern electrical wires and reduce the chances of electrical fires, damage, and additional concerns that outdated wiring can cause.
Replacing Cloth Wiring: Making a Plan
Planning ahead for electrical wiring can help minimize disruptions in your home; they can also help you discover opportunities to add additional electrical features to further boost your home’s resale value. For example, a rewiring project will let you install more outlets, add more lighting, and ensure your home’s electrical system is equipped to meet your needs.
A little planning goes a long way to ensure your home meets your current and future requirements. Be sure to read this helpful blog about what you need to know when planning an electrical rewiring project.
Hire Certified Electricians for Your Electrical Rewiring Project
We cannot stress enough that certified electricians should be the only individuals completing electrical work in your home. They have the expertise and tools to complete rewiring projects, as well as additional residential electrical services safely and correctly. Choosing a certified electrician will ensure electrical work is completed accurately and safely the first time. You’ll be able to rest easy knowing that the work is performed by experienced, licensed individuals.
When it comes to replacing cloth wiring in house, you can count on our certified electricians to guide you. They know how to handle cloth-covered electrical wires and can recommend modern alternatives that will align with today’s needs and standards. They can even work with you on a plan to replace your wires and recommend ESA grounding and bonding services.
Further, if you’re planning additional electrical upgrades as part of your rewiring project, they’ll be able to plan and execute those projects as well. Complete support is the main benefit of working with licensed professionals – you’re not in this project alone.
Click here to learn about more important reasons to hire a licensed electrician.
Langstaff & Sloan: Electricians You Can Depend On
In Toronto and the GTA, you can count on Langstaff & Sloan Electrical Contractors for your rewiring project and additional residential electrical services. Our reliable, licensed electricians prioritize safety and bring excellence and experience to every job.
When you choose Langstaff & Sloan, you can depend on us to bring the following to your table:
- Competitive rates
- Commitment to customer service
- Courteous electricians who will treat your home with respect
- Training and skills to ensure our work provides the least disruption possible
- Written itemized quotes that include all the details and costs per project
We invite you to connect with our friendly team to discuss your options for replacing outdated wiring. We’re happy to provide advice and options for safely replacing your cloth electrical wires, as well as additional residential electrical projects you may require.
Langstaff and Sloan Inc. has been providing electrical services in Toronto and the GTA since 1991. You can trust our licensed experts, upfront pricing, and fast response to support all your home electrical needs. Contact us today.