Can I Renovate My Period Home?

Refurbishing an old property can be one of the most rewarding ways to create a character-packed home.

This being said, you need to be certain that the building can withstand the works that you want to undertake.

Here are some key elements to consider prior to putting your cash into a project.

Old construction materials

They constructed houses very differently before 1919.

Pre-1919, popular construction products were stone, timber, lime, earth and clay, all of which are generally soft and permeable.

Modern materials keep moisture out of the building envelope, whereas these traditional components readily soak moisture up from their surroundings.

A good balance between absorption and evaporation prevents the building fabric from becoming damp (otherwise known as breathability). Breathable materials work extremely well, hence many traditionally constructed buildings have survived for hundreds of years.

Unfortunately, it is very common for alterations and repairs to historic structures to use modern materials, such as cement mortar and render or impermeable plaster and paint. These products interfere with the balance of water absorption and evaporation. This can cause serious damp issues.

So, the first priority when you assess a period property should be to identify whether there are any  non-breathable materials. You should then consider what damage they might be causing.

Moisture and ventilation in period property

Even in cases where the building is breathable, the moisture levels are incredibly important. Rainwater usually causes issues.

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