Victorian Properties – Dos and Don’ts of Exterior Restoration and Repair

The UK has many beautiful examples of Victorian properties thanks to the boom of the industrial revolution. Thousands of new homes were built across the country during the first half of the 19^th century as demand for better accommodation in and around our major industrial centres grew.

From terraced rows to grand villas, there are many styles of Victorian houses to be seen and most have real appeal thanks to the lovely original features which have sometimes been retained both within and without.

If you are lucky enough to be the owner of a Victorian property, then you will know first-hand that DIY and repairs in general in properties of this age are never as straightforward as they might be in a newer building.

Do Your Research

Find out the age of your home; knowing when it was built will arm you in the future when it comes to choosing fittings which need to be replaced or in the repair of any special features.

Windows

Windows truly are ‘the eyes’ of a building and do much to create an attractive exterior. Victorian windows which are original to your home need to be preserved as far as possible and that includes the glass.

Vertical sash windows were the most common feature of buildings from this period and if yours have suffered rot, call in the specialists who may be able to preserve and save the main body of the frame.

Brickwork

If your home needs repointing then again, it’s important to speak to specialists who may be able to assist you when it comes to keeping things true to the original. Lime was commonly used during the Victorian era and while ordinary cement was available from the early 1820s, it was not commonly used until after 1930.

If your home was originally rendered, then you should use lime render and brick or stone will look best with lime mortar.

Doors & Door Canopies

If the doorway to your property has suffered from the ravages of time, then it’s a certainty you will need to restore it to its original beauty if you want to retain curb appeal and keep the value of your home in the high numbers.

The exteriors of many Victorian homes have sadly suffered over the decades thanks to poor replacement doors including unattractive additions made during the middle of the 20^th century.

During the 50s and 60s, Victorian facades were not always treated with the respect and care which they deserve and it was common to pull out original features and replace them with ‘superior’ modern equivalents.

If this has happened to your home, or if your home has simply been a victim of the elements and you’re finding that the exterior is looking rather worse for wear, then the best thing you can do is to find replacements for the features in question which are either original or which are true to the period.

For door canopies, it is possible to have either bespoke canopy made or to purchase a period style door canopy to compliment your home in the best, most traditional style possible.

Summit Cladding has a beautiful range of bespoke and traditional door canopies to suit homes of most eras. Visit the door canopy gallery today to find out more.

Categorised in: Canopy Installers, Door Canopies

This post was written by Summit Cladding