People who own or acquire period properties may sometimes get in a difficult situation regarding the current condition of the house and its structures. This may include faulty windows, doors, etc. This is because, as its name suggests, period properties are those built on a certain time period, adopting its architectural styles from that same timeline. This is considered a heritage for the UK, however, given that it is quite old, you can surely run into some problems. Some doors can be the very distinctive style to be preserved, and that is why period door restoration is prevalent in the UK. Find out more about the facts on period door restoration through these simple Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
Is it better to restore than to replace?
One of the most important reasons why you should restore is because of the actual door itself, rather than its current condition. Period properties are only so-called because they have specific features from the era, and if the door is one of them, it is integral to preserve the authenticity of the material and the design by a restoration process. In addition to that, restoration can be cheaper than replacement, and these wood materials used are probably even more durable than the wood used now. If the door is not in total ruin, restoration is always your best bet.
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How about if my period doors are not energy-efficient?
You may think that because your period door is poor in terms of energy-efficiency, you may need to replace it with a new one to conserve energy within your home. However, many modern solutions are available now to improve your period door’s energy efficiency. Draught-proofing methods will help seal the slits and openings in your door that lets the draught in. This is also true for period windows.
What if my door is difficult to open/close or is always jammed?
Again, replacement is not the immediate solution to your period door problems. A full restoration of your door will firstly examine the overall condition of your door, and go from there. Swelling due to existing rot or expansion due to moisture absorbed through the slits and cracks may very well be the cause. If rot is present, do not panic– your restoration expert will only need to cut out the rotten sections and replace it with filler or proper wood.
If you have newly acquired a period property, the first thing you should always do is examine those areas that may need restoration or repair. Since these materials are built to last, one restoration may last you a lifetime, that is, with the proper maintenance as well.
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Pieter Boyce
Wooden Window and Door Specialist
This article was written on behalf of The Wooden Door Company by Pieter Boyce. Pieter has an intense passion for English Architectural history and has been specialising in the conservation of original wooden windows and doors for decades. His exceptional knowledge of timber windows and doors, both listed or non-listed, is attributed to his hands-on approach to learning all aspects of the complete restoration of original features as well as having personally surveyed thousands of items throughout his long tenure as a head surveyor for one of the largest window and door restoration companies in the UK. He now runs a boutique wooden window and door consultancy and fervently champions the retention of original windows and doors. To learn more of Pieter’s services, visit his website at www.boultonboyce.co.uk.