An independent magazine about careful renovation of old houses. It is not a restoration company or a heritage authority, provides no services and has no connection with previous websites on this domain.
Care
An old house is best preserved when it is looked after a little at a time, but regularly. Condensation wiped away in time saves the bottom rail of a frame, dry cleaning extends the life of parquet, and a leak spotted early doesn't get the chance to soak the mouldings. Below is advice on caring for the main details of an old flat and a list for a seasonal check.
An old house speaks quietly: a stain in the corner, a new crack by the cornice, a sash that has suddenly started to stick. Learn to notice these signals and a major renovation may never be needed.
How this section works: we give general advice on caring for the details of an old flat. Products and how often finishes should be renewed are set out by their manufacturers. Restoring losses, work on the structure and any work on protected features are carried out by specialists.
Six parts of an old flat that need attention most often.
Wipe condensation off the frame and sill and keep an eye on the drip mouldings so that water runs away from the window. In spring, remove temporary draught-proofing, air the rebates and check the paint. Show small cracks in the paint to a craftsman before the timber underneath starts to deteriorate.
Dry cleaning, an almost dry cloth, pads on furniture legs and a steady indoor climate are the basics of care. If a block starts to wobble or comes out, keep it and show it to a craftsman: it is easier to put the original block back than to find a new match.
Dust them with a soft brush, don't wash mouldings with water and don't add yet another coat of paint over the old ones. Watch the ceiling under the upstairs neighbours' bathroom: a leak is plaster's worst enemy. Cracks and flaking should be assessed by a specialist plasterer.
Wipe the tiles with a soft damp cloth without abrasives and keep the doors and dampers closed. Don't use the stove to support shelves or heavy objects, and don't light it unless a specialist has checked the masonry and the flue.
Panelled doors like steady humidity and careful handling. Tighten the hinges if a door starts to sag and wipe the leaf with a soft cloth. Don't sand old paint on doors: if it needs removing, that is a job for a specialist.
Lime plaster needs access to air. Don't cover it with heavy wallpaper, vinyl coverings or non-breathable paints, and don't push furniture right up against external walls. If salt efflorescence appears, look for the source of the moisture rather than painting over the stain.
How to get a timber window ready for winter and how to look after old parquet. And what you should never do yourself in an old house.
What helps you inspect and gently look after an old house, with no brands, plus protective equipment.
Timber windows and doors, parquet, lime, plaster mouldings, stove tiles and old paints in general terms. The article catalogue is here too.
This information is given in general terms, based on the text of Russian Federal Law No. 73-FZ, guidance materials on the preservation of cultural heritage sites and safety recommendations for working with old coatings. Other countries have their own rules for listed or protected buildings. The status of your building and the work allowed are decided by the heritage authority, and the condition of the structure is assessed by survey specialists.