Most historic property owners I speak with care about preserving more than just the structure of their homes or buildings; for them, it’s about the legacies their properties represent, whether the significance of those legacies is personal, regional, or architectural. Tied up in these buildings are stories and lore, along with the authentic, tangible craftsmanship of a particular moment in time. For historic property owners, caretaking is about more than protecting an investment, though that’s important too; it’s about preserving history.
This is why preventative maintenance should be top of mind for every historic property owner. Here’s how we think about preventative maintenance at Renaissance.
Maintenance Requires an Old-World Builder’s Mindset
The first step in preventative maintenance for a healthy historic property — and for your budget — is to adopt the right mindset. Maintenance on historic properties requires a different approach than the work one might do to maintain a new development.
Some of the tools we have today are not appropriate for use on historic properties, which were built using design and techniques authentic to the period in which they were built. For example, a historic home might have thick walls with masonry and a deep porch for natural cooling and heating. This requires us to think beyond modern convenience and focus on how to safely repair, restore, or maintain rather than replace.
A “do no harm” philosophy is at the center of maintenance that prioritizes long-term health and integrity of historic homes and buildings. This kind of maintenance respects the original design and building materials and works with the property, not against it.
Take These Preventative Steps to Protect Your Property and Your Wallet
The key to protecting your property and your wallet is prevention. It is far more cost-effective to prevent a minor issue than to pay for a major repair.
1. Prevent the Biggest Threat: Water Damage
Not only does water cause problems, it makes seemingly unrelated problems worse, from foundation damage to structural issues to pest infestation. Although older buildings were made of local, functional materials that were well suited for their climate (known as vernacular architecture), they lack modern waterproofing and vapor barriers. Make sure your property is not vulnerable to moisture, which can lead to repairs that are not only costly but preventable. Take the time to:
- Clean gutters and inspect downspouts to move water at least five to ten feet away from your foundation.
- Check for loose shingles, damaged flashing around chimneys and vents, signs of bowing or unevenness in the roofline, and take preventative actions to maintain the roof system. Follow twice-a-year inspections for proper seasonal assessments.
- Grade your land so water flows away from your foundation with at least a 5-degree angle recommended to avoid pooling or seeping water.
- Use modern tools, like moisture meters and smart water sensors, to monitor potential problems in areas of concern.
2. Evaluate and Protect Original Materials
A historic building's most valuable asset is its original materials. By preserving and repairing with historically compatible materials — like using the correct mortar when repointing brick — you uphold structural integrity and avoid further damage. Because your roof is the first line of defense in protecting the whole structure, prompt and preventative maintenance is essential. Here's what to look for:
- Slate & Tile Roofs Monitor for broken/missing pieces and use copper nails, rather than modern fasteners, when replacing pieces to avoid rust and corrosion.
- Wood Shingle/Shake Roofs: Look for rot and cupping and repair with the same type of unfinished, natural wood to maintain the roof's aesthetic integrity. Consult a professional about options for protective coatings.
- Metal Roofs: Inspect for signs of rust or corrosion and avoid high-pressure washers and abrasive cleaners that can cause irreversible damage.
3. Create a Maintenance Plan
A consistent maintenance plan is the key to moving from a reactive “fix it when it breaks” approach to a structured, proactive one. Get to know your property and take action by:
- Establishing a Schedule: Follow a seasonal checklist for regular tune-ups and maintenance.
- Documenting Everything: Create a digital logbook to document every repair, expense, and photo — think of it like a medical file for your property. Documentation is invaluable when you have storm damage.
- Walking Your Property Regularly: Dedicate a couple of hours every two weeks to tackle small tasks and prioritize repairs.
- Building a Roster of Experts: Have a list of trusted professionals on hand for when you need that extra help.
Historic properties require specialized labor and materials, which can be more expensive and difficult to source. That’s why preventative maintenance is your best way to avoid costly emergency repairs. Your historic property is both an asset and a legacy of craftsmanship, and proactive care is the best way to ensure it lasts for centuries to come.
Consider getting a Magellan Building Assessment (MBA) today to get a full picture of your property's health and budget needs. This comprehensive report will help you understand your property’s assets and liabilities, and knowing your liabilities is the first step toward proactive prevention. By taking action to maintain your property, you are not just caring for a building — you are preserving a piece of history.
