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Category: Heritage Guide
The Heritage Homes Guide
Seeking Listed Planning Permission
Every home has need of repairs or something that needs to be changed to make living there better. However, there are buildings that have special significance to the community. Such building are often Listed, so extra permission is needed as it is unlawful to alter, extend or demolish a Listed Building before obtaining permission from …
Zinc Sheet (20th Century)
Introduction Zinc, which is cheaper than Lead, is used to replace Lead sheet roofs. However this material is NOT suitable for period properties. What to look for Zinc sheet can look very similar to Lead sheet, however Lead sheet tends to be thicker than Zinc sheet and Lead sheet is duller in appearance. Zinc is …
Working on Roofs
Why Important Access and Safety Health and Safety legislation sets out guidance on working at heights to which contractors must comply by law. Most buildings in the Birkenhead Heritage Area are at least three storeys high and often more, with pitched roofs, so safe access for inspection and maintenance is essential. What to look for …
Woodwork, doors and windows
This guide will cover the importance of monitoring, what to look for and when, how to repair, and what to avoid (to prevent long-term problems). Why Important What to look for Fire Safety to be added later When to look All painted wood should be inspected annually for any signs of breakdown and decay, and …
External Window Frames
Examination of old windows and frames, particularly in Hamilton Square, the Birkenhead Georgian Quarter , may show that the original colour was a darker shade designed to make the frames ‘disappear’ and be less obvious. Other original frames can show examples of imitation wood graining, where the wood was painted to make it look grander …
Welsh Slate (18th & 19th Century)
Why Important What to look for The slates are characteristic, being very thin, smooth surfaced, generally a purplish colour and regular sized, leading to uniform courses. When to look How to fix Because the slates are much larger, they are double nailed in the middle of each slate which means slates cannot be swung aside, …
Water penetration (through walls or roof)
Why Important Penetration of water from an external source is often due to poor maintenance, allowing rain, melting snow or ice to enter. What to look for The most common signs are: Blocked or damaged gutters and downpipes, resulting in damp patches appearing after rain. External stonework may be stained and there may be signs …
Victorian roofs
Why Important Common roofing issues Slate Roofing Plain Tiles and Pantiles (cladding with tiles) Flashing Cornices Gutters Dormers Rooflights Chimneys Parapet Walls Historical Background