Why Important Leadwork is formed by a series of laps and steps and is not sealed. If water builds up it can find its way over up-stands and leak into the building. What to look for Acid run-off is caused by algae that forms on slates, generally on the shaded pitches, and manifests as pale …
Category: Heritage Guide
The Heritage Homes Guide
Knockers
Why Important What to look for Originally, it is said, only doctors had door knockers; other houses and flats had bells. They were introduced later as decorative elements in brass or, on basement doors, iron. When to look How to fix Avoiding creating problems The temptation to add new knockers should be resisted, particularly on …
Kitchen Ranges
Why Important What to look for When to look How to fix Avoiding creating problems Historical background
Ironmongery
Introduction Buildings in Birkenhead Heritage area, which encompasses both the Birkenhead Georgian Quarter and Victorian Town, are a living record of the community that built and used them, reflecting craft skills and available materials, styles and aspirations and personal whims. Appropriate door furniture is a very important part of any historical building, especially as it …
Internal Plastering
Why Important Plain plaster levels minor undulations in the structural backing, and provides a smooth surface to receive paper or paint. However, in Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian buildings, plasterwork can be seen as the very essence of the period, and use of the original room. For historic homes the reinstatement of the original style can …
Internal Period metalwork
Why Important What to look for When to look How to fix Generally the advice on the care and conservation of Victorian and Edwardian ironmongery is the same as for Georgian ironmongery. If replacing missing ironmongery, look for a pattern in similar properties to copy. Renewed interest in period features has led to an upsurge …
Internal Knobs
Why Important What to look for Interior Georgian brass knobs were spun with a pressed brass rose. Roses were normally surface fixed with brass slotted screws, although occasionally screw fixings were hidden at the junction between the rose and door knob shank. Brass was much more expensive than cast iron and so was kept for …
Internal Doors
Why Important What to look for In period buildings, internal doors were distinctive of the design of the building. However, in 1960’s, there was an ‘improvement movement’ which lead to these doors being covered in flat, plain hardboard, and then painted. Traditionally, if these interior doors were painted, they would be either white/off white or …
Insulation of Roofs and Dormers
Why Important Heat is lost through a typical roof and in this age of spiralling fuel prices and demands to reduce carbon footprints, it is sensible to insulate the roof space. What to look for In an attic, insulation can be laid between and over rafters. However it is important to maintain ventilation within the …