Old homes tell you when something is wrong, as long as you know what to look for. Catching remedial problems early usually means a smaller, simpler repair. Leaving them tends to mean a bigger one. Here are six signs worth watching on a Sydney heritage home.
1. Cracked or drummy render
Fine hairline cracks are common and often harmless. Wider cracks, or render that sounds hollow when you tap it, are a different story. Drummy render has lost its grip on the wall behind it and will eventually come away. It is better to repair the section than to wait for it to fall.
2. Damp or staining low on the walls
A tide mark, flaking paint or a patch of damp near the base of a wall can point to rising damp or salt in the masonry. This is one to deal with at the source, because painting over it only hides it for a season.
3. Paint that is flaking or peeling
Paint that lifts, blisters or peels is usually telling you about the surface underneath. It might be trapped moisture, or old paint that has lost its grip. Either way it is a sign the surface needs attention before it is repainted.
4. Timber that is soft or splitting
Window sills, door frames, fascias and trim all take weather. Press on them gently. If the timber feels soft or you can see splitting and rot, it needs repair before it spreads to the sound timber around it.
5. Damaged cornices and detail
Ornate cornices, parapets and mouldings are part of what makes a heritage home worth keeping. Missing or crumbling sections not only look tired, they let water into places it should not be.
6. Loose or missing pointing
In brick and stone walls, the mortar between the units does a job. When pointing goes soft, cracks or falls out, water gets in and the problem grows. Repointing at the right time keeps the wall sound.
Why it pays to act early
Almost every problem on this list gets bigger the longer it is left. A small repair today is easier than a large one later. If you have spotted one or two of these on your home, it is worth having someone take a proper look.
If you are not sure what you are looking at, we are happy to come and check. Learn more about our remedial repairs, or book a free on-site quote.