Why Important Cupolas are a feature of the Georgian period and Edwardian period and are a very elegant way of letting light down through the centre of the building, usually to a stairwell. They are often elliptical or round in plan and constructed of a timber kerb with thin timber astragals bridging from the kerb …
Category: Heritage Guide
The Heritage Homes Guide
Cornices
Why Important Many Georgian, Victorian & Edwardian buildings have cornices. These carved stone projections at the top of the wall have a significant bearing on the appearance of the façade and are thus very important to maintain, or replicate, and reinstall when missing. What to look for Cornices are always made from ashlar stone and …
Condensation
(including Chimney Breast Dampness) Why Important Dampness from condensation usually affects the whole area of walls, ceiling and floor, unlike the patchiness of penetrating or rising damp, but can be confined to isolated pockets of cold, stagnant air (behind pictures, wardrobes, etc.) What to look for Condensation occurs when warm, moist air comes into contact …
Concealment
Why Important Concealment of damp areas is not recommended, but may occasionally be acceptable if the enclosed space is ventilated. In particular, untreated damp areas lead to fungal growth and unhealthy living conditions. Hiding the problem can lead to legal problems with regard to Duty of Care and ill health of the buildings occupants. What …
Common Stairs
Why Important These are a common feature of Georgian buildings and are included in the guide as they are a public space. What to look for The stair wall is split by a dado line between a lower gloss painted area and the upper matt painted area. This upper area would have originally been painted …
Common roofing issues
Introduction What to look for What to do if you find a problem Avoiding creating problems Historical background
Commercial Properties and Shops
Commercial premises and shops have a long tradition of having their facades painted to draw attention to themselves and to advertise what they sell. This tradition still continues today, but where it does happen, it is important that the harmony and unity of the whole facade, including such aspects as lettering and signage, is maintained. …
Chimneys
Why Important Chimneys are an important part of the Birkenhead skyline throughout the Birkenhead Heritage Area. Each room in a traditional property would have had an open fire, as this was the only means of heating them. What to look for Flues were generally built into the thick masonry party walls and gathered at roof …
Chimney Breast Dampness
Why Important Signs of dampness on a chimney breast suggests a structural problem with the chimney structure, or a significant lack of air flow within the chimney. What to look for Condensation within a flue, bringing hygroscopic salts and tar to the surface, can cause damp patches on the chimney breast and, in some cases, …
Checking the outside of the building
Check the pages below for more detail