Old House Care And Repair

Owners of old houses are often baffled by the confusing advice they receive from their builders, architects or surveyors who may be more familiar with repairing modern buildings than dealing with the issues associated with traditional houses. Old houses generally require a different approach, one, for instance, which takes account of their need to 'breathe'. Modern solutions do not always recognise that need. This book will help owners, builders and all construction professionals make the decisions that are right for old buildings. It illustrates the long term benefits of using more traditional solutions on older houses rather than modern materials like cement based mortars, sealants or impervious paints. It offers practical guidance on: How to get the right professional advice; Legal requirements for listed buildings; Problems with damp and rot; Use of lime mortars, plasters and renders; Why old buildings need to breathe; Planning applications; and, Trees, outbuildings and gardens.

This fully revised and updated book is the authoritative guide on how to look after your old house – whether it is a timber-framed medieval cottage, an eighteenth-century town house or a Victorian or Edwardian terrace. Written in association with The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, the authors’ approach is one of respect, restraint and repair rather than ‘restoration’, which can so easily and permanently destroy the special qualities of an old building. From the foundations to the roof, from the need for modern services to traditional paintwork and finishes, from windows and doors to breathability and damp in walls and floors, this handbook provides informed practical guidance. It is essential reading on maintenance and repair for all those with an old house.

Here, for the first time, is a completely authoritative guide on how to look after your old house - whether it's a timber framed medieval cottage, an eighteenth century urban terrace or an example of Victorian or Edwardian speculative development.ÿ Taking their lead from the conservation approach of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (who have approved and authorised this volume), the approach is one of respect, restraint and repair rather than 'restoration' which can so easily and permanently destroy the rich historical legacy of any old building. This book provides richly and deeply informed practical guidance, with sections including: Breathability and Damp Structural Movement Roofs Timber and Carpentry Windows Doors and joinery. It will be essential reading for anyone with an old house in need of any kind of repair or maintenance. `For any of us working on or living in old buildings, this brilliant and properly illustrated volume is the manual we've been waiting for. Thank you SPAB.' Kevin McCloud, Presenter of Grand Designs, Channel 4

A house is the single largest investment most adults will ever make. However, a house neglected will rot, leak and frustrate the owner. Let Norm Abram, Tom Silva and the experts at This Old House show you how to correctly maintain your home (and Investment) throughout the year in this functional season-by-season guide to home repair.

Understanding the unique requirements of traditional buildings is crucial to providing appropriate guidance on their care and repair. This book will help practitioners identify the particular issues relating to older buildings and the problems they may encounter when surveying and repairing them. With the use of examples, the author provides invaluable information on how traditional buildings perform, emphasizing the need for a sensitive and sustainable approach which also takes account of the specific needs of the building. The book examines all aspects to be included in any assessment for survey and repair, and points out in detail the potential pitfalls. It also explores the controversial issues surrounding the treatment of damp and timber decay, advocating solutions that are appropriate to older buildings rather than using standard, often damaging, methods of treatment. The extensive case studies not only illustrate good conservation in practice but also how projects can go badly wrong, and how mistakes could have been avoided. This title explores the causes of movement and the actions required. It advises on alternatives to chemical treatment for damp and timber decay. It provides fully illustrated case studies with numerous photographs. It emphasizes a sustainable approach to conservation. It outlines the key legislation issues. It includes the Historic Buildings Prosecution Fines Database and other useful appendices.

Old House Handbook is a completely authoritative guide on how to look after your old house – whether Tudor, Georgian, Victorian or Edwardian – authorised by the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings.

Britain has a wonderfully rich stock of period houses - everything from medieval cottages to Georgian townhouses and Edwardian mansions. But many of these historic properties are now at risk. Some are unwittingly damaged by well-meaning owners or incompetent builders; others suffer long-term deterioration where mortgage lenders have imposed ......