HPI: Old House Care
Old houses were generally built with high quality materials that last many years, and can repaired rather than replaced. However, many home owners and even contractors are not familiar with maintenance and repair methods. The following information has been gathered from several Old House Care workshops that HPI has offered, and can help home owners with DIY maintenance and repairs or even just have a more informed conversation with a contractor.
Window Repair
Products
Indow Windows (Interior storm windows, including UV protection)
Interior and Exterior Painting
Products
Preparation and Repair Products:
Limeworks Takcoat (can skimcoat over new drywall for plaster-like texture)
Primers:
Benjamin Moore Fresh Start Primer
Sherwin-William Exterior Oil-Based Wood Primer
Sherwin-Williams Oil-Based Interior Primer
Shellac Primers:
Paints:
Linseed Oil Paints:
Mineral Paints appropriate for stucco:
Interior Plaster Repair
Masonry/Mortar Repair
Additional Resources
The National Park Service Preservation Briefs
Preservation Briefs provide information on preserving, rehabilitating, and restoring historic buildings. These publications help historic building owners recognize and resolve common problems prior to work. The briefs are especially useful to Historic Preservation Tax Incentives Program applicants because they recommend methods and approaches for rehabilitating historic buildings that are consistent with their historic character.
Although they sell the briefs as sets, individual briefs are available online for free.
