Aluminum Wiring in Calgary: A Guide to Selling or Buying an Aging Home
Once considered a cost-effective alternative to copper, aluminum wiring in Calgary has become a serious concern and inconvenience for many homeowners, especially for those selling or buying an ageing home in mature communities.
Unaddressed aluminum wiring can lead to serious problems in your home. But Exquisite Electric can help.
Spring and summer are the hottest real estate months in Southern Alberta. That means homes built in the 60s & 70s will enter the market.
These beautiful and character-full properties can be true gems for home ownership, with their generally large lot sizes and mature trees. However, they may also hide outdated and even dangerous electrical systems, including aluminum wiring.
In this blog post, we’ll briefly dive into the history of aluminum wiring in general and aluminum wiring in Calgary, its potential risks, and how it may affect the sale or purchase of your home.
We’ll also provide tips on addressing issues, including whole-home remediation and budget-friendly (but maintenance-heavy) aluminum wiring repair options.
Main Points:
- In the 1960s and 1970s, home builders used aluminum wiring as a cheaper alternative to copper.
- In the 1980s, following similar studies in the USA, the Canadian government found that aluminum wiring was more likely than copper to overheat and cause electrical fires.
- Aluminum wiring can impact the sale of your home for multiple reasons, including home insurance restrictions and legal disclosure requirements.
- Aluminum wiring solutions include whole-home remediation AND less expensive connector repair.
- Hiring qualified, licensed, and insured electricians is vital to help you diagnose and deal with aluminum wiring.
- Link to a list of aluminum wiring in Calgary, Okotoks, and surrounding communities.
IMPORTANT: Home insurance providers require proof of aluminum wiring repair or remediation by a qualified and licensed electrician before they will offer you insurance coverage.
A (Super) Brief History of Aluminum Wiring
The use of aluminum wiring as an alternative to copper in residential and commercial buildings dates back to the early 1900s.
However, it wasn’t until the 1960s and 1970s that aluminum gained widespread popularity. During this time, copper prices rose, making aluminum a more attractive option for electrical wiring.
In Canada, during the 1960s and 1970s, aluminum wiring was widely used in residential construction. Like in the United States, safety concerns emerged. A 1980s study by the Canadian government found that aluminum wiring was more prone to overheating and causing fires than copper wiring.
As a result, the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) was revised in 1986 to require that aluminum wiring be installed with special connectors and anti-oxidant paste to reduce the fire risk.
Despite the revised regulations, many older homes in Canada still have aluminum wiring. Because of this, homeowners should have their electrical systems inspected, maintained, and updated by a qualified and licensed electrician.
Potential Risks Associated with Aluminum Wiring in Calgary
- Aluminum wiring has a higher risk of corrosion and oxidization than copper wiring. This can lead to increased resistance, overheating, and, in severe cases, electrical fires.
- Aluminum expands and contracts more than copper, which can cause loose connections over time.
Both of these risks can be mitigated through professional maintenance. But without complete aluminum wiring remediation, the potential for safety hazards remains.
The Impact of Aluminum Wiring on Selling Your Home
Aluminum wiring can affect the sale of your home in various ways.
Potential buyers may be wary of purchasing a home with aluminum wiring due to safety concerns, leading to a reduction in property value or difficulty obtaining a mortgage.
Additionally, insurance companies may charge higher premiums or even refuse to provide coverage for homes with aluminum wiring. Legal disclosure requirements also exist, which means you must be transparent with potential buyers about the presence of aluminum wiring in your home.
All this can lead to temporary short-term fixes that must be regularly maintained or whole-home remediation.
Tips for Homeowners with Aluminum Wiring
If you have aluminum wiring in your home, don’t panic. You can take several steps to mitigate potential risks and increase chances for a successful sale.
First, consult a professional Calgary electrician to inspect your electrical system. They will be able to identify any issues and provide recommendations on how to address them.
Second, full or partial rewiring with copper wiring is the best long-term solution but can be costly. Using approved connectors, such as AlumiConn Or Aluminum marrettes, can be a cheaper alternative for repairs and connections.
Third, obtain an electrical safety certificate for insurers and prove your compliance with safety regulations.
The Impact on the Sale of Your Home
Aluminum wiring can affect the sale of your home in various ways.
Potential buyers may be wary of purchasing a home with aluminum wiring due to safety concerns, leading to a reduction in property value or difficulty obtaining a mortgage.
Additionally, insurance companies may charge higher premiums or even refuse to provide coverage for homes with aluminum wiring. Legal disclosure requirements also exist, which means you must be transparent with potential buyers about the presence of aluminum wiring in your home.
All this can lead to temporary short-term fixes that must be regularly maintained or whole-home remediation.
Tips for Homeowners with Aluminum Wiring
If you have aluminum wiring in your home, don’t panic. You can take several steps to mitigate potential risks and increase chances for a successful sale.
First, consult a professional Calgary electrician to inspect your electrical system. They will be able to identify any issues and provide recommendations on how to address them.
Second, full or partial rewiring with copper wiring is the best long-term solution but can be costly. Using approved connectors, such as AlumiConn Or Aluminum marrettes, can be a cheaper alternative for repairs and connections.
Third, obtain an electrical safety certificate for insurers and prove your compliance with safety regulations.
Preparing Your Home For Sale
When selling your home, it’s essential to communicate with your real estate agent about the presence of aluminum wiring.
These professionals can help you navigate potential buyer concerns and gather documentation, including inspection reports and electrical safety certificates.
Being transparent with potential buyers about the presence of aluminum wiring in your home is critical. Addressing their concerns or negotiating repair costs as needed will increase the likelihood of a successful sale.
Aluminum wiring can pose challenges when selling your home. But understanding the risks and taking proactive steps to address them will help ease the process.
By working with a professional Calgary electrician, obtaining proper documentation, and communicating openly with potential buyers, you can increase the likelihood of a successful sale.
At Exquisite Electric, we have some of the best electricians in Calgary who can help you with all your electrical needs. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and take the first step toward a successful home sale.
What can you do if you think you have aluminum wiring in your home?
Call A Qualified, Licensed, and Insured Electrician
If you live in an older home with aluminum wiring, it’s important to have an electrician inspect the wiring to determine if it’s safe.
An electrician who specializes in aluminum wiring will be able to tell you if your home wiring needs to be fixed or replaced. They will also be able to recommend the best course of action to ensure the safety of your home.
With over 30-combined years of expertise in both home & residential AND business & commercial electrical service… we’re At Your Service!
Contact us with all of your home and business electrical questions. Because we’re YOUR local Red Seal, Master Electricians, working hard to become the best electricians in southern Alberta!
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We’re proud to serve you as your preferred electricians, Calgary, Okotoks, and the Foothills area.
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