Property maintenance
Latest
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How to restore wood doors – refinish and revive interior doors like a professional
Refinishing wood doors can give them a new lease of life. This is how to clean timber, repair any damage and more to restore internal doors to their original greatness.
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Architects and real estate agents share the easiest way to tell if your new home has good bones
These telltale signs will make it quick and easy to ensure your new home has good bones
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The 10 household appliances most likely to catch fire—number 6 surprised us
This is why it's worth getting new items registered
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How to clean stone floors – spruce natural stone tiles, plus, why vinegar is a no go
DIY expert Helaine Clare's shares her knowledge on how to clean stone floors step-by-step. Plus, why you shouldn't use vinegar
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How to cool down a room: 28 ways to stay cool indoors during a heatwave
Here are tons of ideas for how to cool down a room fast. If your home tends to overheat during summer, these tips are for you...
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How to clean terracotta floor tiles
Find out how to clean terracotta floor tiles and restore them to their former glory. Follow DIY expert Helaine Clare’s step-by-step guide
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Can I DIY this? Your most common home renovation questions answered
The most frequently asked home renovation questions and answers revealed
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How to paint metal railings: cleaning and repairing railings and gates
Old metal railings and other exterior metalwork needs regular care and attention to prevent decay, so spot the signs of wear and tear and know what action to take with this practical, step-by-step guide
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How to lighten oak beams
Learn how to lighten oak beams – including the tools and equipment you will need – with step-by-step instructions from DIY expert Helaine Clare
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Expert guide to plaster in old homes
Understanding and maintaining plaster in old homes is an important aspect of caring for a period property. Discover how to identify which type you have, how to go about repairing, and what it costs
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This is why you should get your home tested for Radon
Radioactive gas found in homes all over the UK is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers
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Lack of reliable builders to blame for half of home renovators putting off work
Scarcity of good builders among the top reasons why people put off renovation work on their homes
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How to repair stone floors
Find out how to repair stone floors, with expert advice from Douglas Kent, technical and research director of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings
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How to maintain and repair an old timber frame
Often forming the integral framework of period properties, and an aesthetic feature, timber posts and beams must be treated with care and attention to ensure their longevity
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How to fix a door that sticks, squeaks or that won't shut plus, other repairs
A squeaking door or one that will not shut properly can be fixed. These are the most common door repairs you can DIY quickly.
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How to restore and maintain timber windows
As the eyes of a house and a key architectural feature, it’s important to maintain and repair original timber windows. Follow this expert advice to find out how
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How to maintain and repair leaded windows
Original leaded light windows are historically important architectural features, so when they need attention it's essential to repair and care for them correctly
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How to install secondary glazing
Love your old windows but tired of the constant draught? Time to install some secondary glazing with our simple step by step guide
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How to repair and maintain metal window and door frames
Properly maintained, metal windows can last for centuries. When protective coatings are neglected, however, corrosion may occur. Here's how to repair your metal door and window frames
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Listed buildings: an essential guide
Treasures of Britain's architectural landscape, listed properties are both a joy and responsibility to own. Discover what's really involved in caring for and improving a home with special status
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How to replace broken glass
Breaking a pane of glass in a window or door is a hazard of restoration projects – if it happens, Helaine Clare shows how to replace a small pane safely and without too much trouble
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How to deal with cracks in walls and structural problems in old houses
Cracks in walls, bulging, damp and movement are all signs of something sinister going on. Learn how to identify and repair these structural issues in period properties
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How to repair an old roof
A poorly maintained roof can result in serious damage to the rest of your house, so make it top priority and follow this expert advice on spotting and fixing problems
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How to repair old brickwork
Learn how to spot brickwork problems with a simple maintenance check, and how to repair damage to avoid potential structural issues
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How to maintain your staircase
Our practical guide, complete with a maintenance checklist, advice on building regulations and step-by-step repairs guides, is designed to help you recognise and tackle staircase damage
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Exterior repairs: give your home a health check with these top tips
Neglecting a house's external maintenance can cause serious and expensive problems, so don't put it off. Discover how to spot and resolve common problems such as damp, loose tiles, rot and flaking paint
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How you can repair wood rot
Don’t let wood rot ruin your decorating plans – using two separate cases Helaine Clare shows how to fix this common problem on a shed door post and on french doors and how to prevent it from happening again in the future
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The period home maintenance calendar
Keep your house dry, safe and comfortable year-round with Period Living’s seasonal home maintenance checklist
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Repairing or replacing timber beams
Original beams imbue a period home with character, but over time they may suffer from decay or inappropriate finishes. Find out how to look after them, and when replacement is appropriate
