This tome is the authoritative guide to looking after an old home. These can include such houses as a medieval cottage, an urban terrace from the eighteenth century, or a Victorian development. This book builds upon the thoughts and works of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, approaching the subject with respect and repair, as opposed to damaging restoration which could destroy the rich history that is a part of the old building. The book covers repair of everything from the foundations to the roof, providing instruction on maintaining traditional stains, paintwork and finish work, dealing with the windows and the doors and talking about the damp and breath of the floors and walls. The rich and deeply informed nature of the guidance provided by the book will ensure that you will be able to maintain the home and preserve its history.

The book is divided into 14 chapters, covering just about all of the subjects expected for a book of its kind. The first chapter covers making the determination that you are prepared to own an old home, and any obligations that result for that obligation. It is a big responsibility, to take care of a old house. The next chapter goes into the task of instructing its readers on the methods of repair necessary to maintain repair of the space.

The third chapter goes on to talk about damp and breath ability of the floors and wall of the home. These issues require attention to the moist and keeping the levels regular and true. Chapter four discusses maintenance of the walls, especially towards insulation and the decoration of the walls with paint or stain products. Chapter five is where discussion of the structural movements are held.

Chapter 6 covers the repair of roofs, including using period shingles and roof parts. Chapter 7 goes on to talk about the sourcing of woods and other materials which are no more difficult to machine that regular. Chapter 8 goes on to talk about the flooring and how to restore flooring with little to no damage to the floor's finish. Chapter 9 talks about the chimney, flutes and fireplace, their cleaning and maintenance. Chapter 10 goes on to cover the entry points for the old house, including doors, windows and the joints that make up common elements.

Chapter 11 begins talks about the compounds and pastes that make up what is needed to maintain an old house. Making sure to use period materials helps to preserve the history of the home and its components. Chapter 12 covers the identification and use of paints and stain in the repair of an old house. For those not wanting to risk their home and furniture to potentially sloppy work, a professional service may be bought, as described in chapter 13.

So if you have an older home to take care of, this book will show you.

Originally posted 2009-01-09 05:18:27. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Book Review, Handy Man

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ancient buildings, authoritative guide, chapter 7, chapter 8, damp, Doors, eighteenth century, Flooring, foundations, guidance, insulation, medieval cottage, obligation, paintwork, rich history, roofs, shingles, stains, true chapter, victorian development