Property maintenance
Latest
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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
By Helaine Clare •
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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
By Anna Cottrell •
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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
By Helaine Clare •
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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
By 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
By Roger Hunt •
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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
By Anna Cottrell •
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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
By Anna Cottrell •
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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
By Douglas Kent •
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How to clean stone floors
Find our how to clean stone floors with DIY expert Helaine Clare's easy-to-follow demonstration
By Helaine Clare •
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How to reduce condensation
Follow our expert guidance and insights on the causes of condensation – and how to avoid them – to reduce it in your home
By Douglas Kent •
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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
By Roger Hunt •
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How to repair internal doors
We offer expert advice on how to fix he most common issues with internal doors – and when to replace them
By Douglas Kent •
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How to restore wood doors
Refinish and restore your interior wood doors with Helaine Clare's step-by-step project, which shows you how to clean the timber, fill holes, repair damage, cover screws and replace hinges
By Helaine Clare •
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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
By Roger Hunt •
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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
By Douglas Kent •
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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
By Helaine Clare •
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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
By Douglas Kent •
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How to maintain a chimney and fireplace
Find out how to maintain fireplaces and chimneys in older homes to keep them working safely and efficiently
By Roger Hunt •
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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
By Roger Hunt •
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How to clean and maintain a fireplace
A real fire is a treat but causes wear and tear, so take a weekend to remedy the situation. Helaine Clare shows how in her guide to cleaning and maintaining a fireplace
By Helaine Clare •
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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
By Helaine Clare •
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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
By Roger Hunt •
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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
By Roger Hunt •
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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
By Roger Hunt •
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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
By Roger Hunt •
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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
By Roger Hunt •
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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
By Helaine Clare •
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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
By Lindsey Davis •
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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
By Douglas Kent •