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Loft insulation – a guide to lagging a roof or attic room
Good loft insulation is a must to reduce heat loss and reduce energy bills. This is what you need to know about cold and warm roofs.
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How to insulate a floor and why it's worth installing
Here’s what you need to know about how to insulate a floor, whether you have a solid, timber, concrete floor or boards – because it could help your home to become more energy efficient, and your bills lower.
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How to repair an old roof
A poorly maintained roof can result in serious damage to the rest of your house, so make it top priority and follow this expert advice on spotting and fixing problems
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How to clean a chimney: expert tips to keep yours working safely and efficiently
Get savvy about how to clean a chimney. This is what you need to know about this essential job
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Plaster repair: how to fix cracks, bulges, loose plaster and damp
Plaster repairs are an occasional requirement if you own an old home. These old plastered walls bring so much character to a period home, but to keep them in good condition it’s essential to be on the look out for early signs of damage
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How to maintain windows and doors in period homes
It’s essential to maintain original windows and doors, so follow this step-by-step advice to keep yours in good condition
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Expert guide to plaster in old homes
Understanding and maintaining plaster in old homes is an important aspect of caring for a period property. Discover how to identify which type you have, how to go about repairing, and what it costs
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Listed buildings: an essential guide
Treasures of Britain's architectural landscape, listed properties are both a joy and responsibility to own. Discover what's really involved in caring for and improving a home with special status
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How to restore and maintain timber windows
As the eyes of a house and a key architectural feature, it’s important to maintain and repair original timber windows. Follow this expert advice to find out how
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How to buy an old house
When property hunting, it is all too easy to let your heart rule your head. But there are many things to consider before taking the plunge. Make sure you are up to the task ahead with expert advice, and use our essential checklist on buying an old house
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Lime mortar, plaster and wash: how to use it to repair and maintain your period home's exterior
Lime is the key to healthy period homes, whether in the form of mortar, plaster or wash. Roger Hunt explores lime’s history as a building material and assesses the benefits it brings to old houses
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How to maintain and repair an old timber frame
Often forming the integral framework of period properties, and an aesthetic feature, timber posts and beams must be treated with care and attention to ensure their longevity
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How to deal with cracks in walls and structural problems in old houses
Cracks in walls, bulging, damp and movement are all signs of something sinister going on. Learn how to identify and repair these structural issues in period properties
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How to repair old brickwork
Learn how to spot brickwork problems with a simple maintenance check, and how to repair damage to avoid potential structural issues
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How to maintain your staircase
Our practical guide, complete with a maintenance checklist, advice on building regulations and step-by-step repairs guides, is designed to help you recognise and tackle staircase damage
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Exterior repairs: give your home a health check with these top tips
Neglecting a house's external maintenance can cause serious and expensive problems, so don't put it off. Discover how to spot and resolve common problems such as damp, loose tiles, rot and flaking paint
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How to find reclaimed materials for your home
Looking to enhance your period property with authentic, reclaimed materials? Use this guide to architectural salvage – from how you might use and source original items, to what to look out for
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