Historic Home Restoration in New England: Local Challenges & Solutions New England’s historic homes and barns were built to handle tough conditions, but after centuries of harsh weather and years of deferred maintenance, structural issues are almost inevitable. In this month’s blog, we’re breaking down the most common structural challenges we see across New England… Read more »

When to Reinforce vs. Replace: A Guide to Structural Decisions for Historic Properties Owning an old home or barn comes with a unique responsibility. These structures were designed for longevity, but over time, exposure to weather, moisture, natural settlement, and everyday use inevitably begins to wear on them. When structural issues appear, one of the… Read more »

How Mortise & Tenon Joints Hold or Fail in Post & Beam Frames Many structural issues in historic homes develop slowly and can go unnoticed for years. Moisture, natural movement, and the passage of time often cause problems where heavy timbers connect, placing stress on the mortise and tenon joints that hold the frame together…. Read more »

Top Causes of Structural Failure in Post & Beam Construction Post & beam construction is one of the oldest and most durable building methods in New England. Homes built in the 1700s and 1800s were crafted with massive hand-hewn timbers, traditional joinery, and craftsmanship that is hard to replicate today.  Even though these structures were… Read more »

Why Are My Floors Sagging? Common Causes in Old & Historic Homes If you own an old or historic home and notice uneven or bouncy floors, you’re not alone. Uneven or sloping floors are one of the most common features found in historic and antique homes, especially those built before modern construction standards (pre-1900). The… Read more »