Restoring the Glory of Your Home’s Exterior
When I first moved into my 1865 Greek Revival home, I have to admit – the exterior was a bit…less-than-glamorous. The box gutters, in particular, were a source of constant frustration and concern. These old-fashioned gutters, built right into the structure of the house, had seen better days. Decades of neglect had left them in a state of disrepair, with rotting wood and leaks galore.
As I soon discovered, tackling these box gutters was no easy feat. I deluded myself into thinking I could rebuild a 34-foot long gutter, two stories up in the air, all by myself in a single weekend. Needless to say, that plan was a colossal failure. I descended into a spiral of panic, madness, and defeat.
But just when I was about to throw in the towel, I found my savior – a skilled contractor named Shane. He swooped in, assessed the damage, and got to work meticulously repairing and reconstructing those treacherous box gutters. It was a lengthy and painstaking process, but the end result was nothing short of a transformation.
Mastering the Art of Gutter Maintenance
The key, as Shane taught me, was finding the right balance between historical accuracy and practical functionality. Traditionally, these box gutters would have been lined with metal – either tin or copper. But with copper being “obscenely expensive,” that option was quickly ruled out.
Instead, Shane opted for a more modern solution: EPDM, a thick rubber material often used for pool liners. “With all that in mind, we chose to go with EPDM both because it was much less expensive and because it seemed like potentially a better material in terms of avoiding problems down the line,” I explained.
And you know what? It worked like a charm. The EPDM lining proved to be durable, water-resistant, and a whole lot more wallet-friendly than the historical metal options. Sure, it might not be the most aesthetically pleasing choice, but from the street, you’d never even know it was there.
Unlocking the Secrets of Your Home’s Anatomy
As frustrating as the gutter debacle was, it ended up being a blessing in disguise. You see, I’ve always been a bit of a history nerd when it comes to old houses. But this experience really opened my eyes to the incredible craftsmanship and engineering that went into the construction of my 1865 home.
Take, for example, the pegged timber framing I discovered while working on the gutters. “The amount of craftsmanship that went into just the structure of this house is so remarkable,” I marveled. “We still have a ways to go with the roof a couple more roof surfaces and a few more gutters haven’t yet been addressed—ugh—but I’m glad this stuff got taken care of in time for winter.”
And it’s not just the structure that’s fascinating. Even the humble box gutters themselves hold a wealth of history and architectural significance. As I learned, these types of gutters were once a common feature in homes of this era, designed to seamlessly integrate with the roofline and cornice details.
Embracing the Unexpected in Home Maintenance
Now, I know what you’re thinking – box gutters, really? How exciting can that be? But trust me, when you’re knee-deep in the guts of your old house, the mundane becomes downright captivating.
For instance, did you know that the bricks and mortar used as insulation in my walls are actually called “nogging”? Apparently, it was a common practice back in the day to fill the spaces between the timber framing with these recycled bricks, both for insulation and to keep out pests. “Unfortunately, it’s terrible insulation – it has an R-value of less than 1 – so we’re planning to remove it when possible and replace it with modern insulation,” I explained.
And then there was the whole debacle with the crown molding. The original material was so badly rotted that it had to be completely replicated. But you know what? I’m thrilled with the end result. “Even though the original material was badly rotted and unsalvageable, it’s being replicated now so cool since it’s not exactly something you can find stock.”
Embracing the Unexpected in Home Maintenance
As I’ve learned, home maintenance is rarely a straightforward or predictable journey. Just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, something unexpected pops up to throw a wrench in your plans. But you know what? I’ve come to embrace the surprises.
Take, for example, the time I tried to tackle those box gutters myself. “Not my finest moment,” I admitted, laughing. “I panic more. I descend into madness and admit defeat. I am broken.” But rather than let that defeat me, I turned it into an opportunity to learn and grow.
And that’s the beauty of old house ownership – there’s always something new to discover, whether it’s the hidden history in the bones of your home or the satisfaction of conquering a daunting project. “It’s sort of weirdly empowering to be able to explain and diagram exactly how our box gutters are built, and it’s kind of exciting to see the guts of the house that are usually covered up,” I mused.
Maintaining Your Home’s Charm and Character
Of course, the real reward in all of this isn’t just the personal growth – it’s the preservation of your home’s unique character and charm. And that’s exactly what I’ve been able to achieve with the restoration of those box gutters.
“Even though looking at these gutters might be way less satisfying than say the bathroom renovation that we might have spent the money on otherwise, this was an essential repair that needed to happen now,” I explained. “I’m glad it did.”
By embracing the historical elements of my home and finding creative solutions to preserve them, I’ve been able to maintain the integrity and authenticity of my 1865 Greek Revival. And let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like the sense of pride and accomplishment that comes with that.
So, if you’re a fellow old house enthusiast facing a daunting maintenance challenge, take heart. With a little creativity, a dash of perseverance, and the right professional guidance, you can breathe new life into your home’s most stubborn and neglected features.
And who knows, you might even discover a newfound appreciation for the hidden gems that make your house truly unique. “It’s fun learning more and more about how and why things were build the way they were,” I shared. “It’s sort of weirdly empowering to be able to explain and diagram exactly how our box gutters are built.”
So, my fellow homeowners, let’s embrace the unexpected and unlock the secrets of our homes. With a little elbow grease and a lot of passion, we can “Rejuvenate Our Homes: Maintenance Solutions for a Stunning Refresh” – one project at a time. And don’t forget to check out Reading General Contractor for all your home maintenance and renovation needs!
