Property maintenance
Latest
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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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Restoring and cleaning encaustic floor tiles
DIY expert Helaine Clare offers a step-by-step guide to restoring and cleaning encaustic hallway floor tiles in Victorian and Edwardian homes
By Helaine Clare •
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How to patch and repair plaster in an old home
Making alterations to an old house always requires some patching up afterwards. Helaine Clare shows how to remedy a niggling area of damaged plasterwork in eight simple steps. Plus a full list of the tools and equipment you will need for the job
By Helaine Clare •
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How to clean, repair and repaint old iron railings and gates
Original decorative metalwork needs regular care and attention to prevent it from decaying so spot the signs of wear and tear before it occurs with this practical, step-by-step guide
By Helaine Clare •
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How to clean 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 reviving a fireplace
By Helaine Clare •
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How to cope with condensation
Douglas Kent, technical and research director for the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB), gives expert guidance and insights on the causes of condensation in old houses and how to avoid them
By Douglas Kent •
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How to repair 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 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 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 restore wood doors
Refinish 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 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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8 ways to keep your home cool this summer
Feel like you are enduring the heat rather than enjoying it? If your home is overheating, here are our top tips for keeping it (and your family) cool
By Jason Orme •
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How to deal with cracks and structural problems in old houses
Cracks, 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 maintain and repair old stone floors
Find out more about how to restore, maintain and repair old stone floors, with expert advuce 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 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 maintain terracotta floor tiles
Follow DIY expert Helaine Clare’s step-by-step guide to cleaning and resealing terracotta floor tiles to their former glory
By Helaine Clare •
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How to clean and seal stone floor tiles
Over the years, stone floor tiles can lose their lustre, requiring a deep clean and reseal. DIY expert Helaine Clare demonstrates how to tackle the job in this easy-to-follow project
By Helaine Clare •
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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 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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Expert guide to plaster in old homes
Understanding and maintaining old plasterwork is an important aspect of caring for a period home. Discover how to identify which type you have, how to go about repairing, and what it costs
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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Period home maintenance calendar
Keep your house dry, safe and comfortable 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 •
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A guide to electrics in old homes
Outdated electrics are not only inconvenient, but a potential safety hazard. Discover the warning signs to look out for and what is involved in a full or partial rewire
By Melanie Griffiths •
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How to lighten oak beams
Tired of black beams in your kitchen? Applying traditional casein distemper will brighten things up and the process is easily reversible. Helaine Clare talks you through the process with this handy step-by-step guide, including a list of tools and equipment you will need
By Helaine Clare •
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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 •
