Colonial Restorations, LLC works on both residential and commercial projects. Mother Nature is always full of surprises that can affect buildings without people realizing it. If you have any questions about how the structure of your building is holding up, please contact us.
If you are considering the purchase of an older property, it is very important to have a pre-purchase evaluation done by Colonial Restorations prior to closing. Home inspectors know a little bit about everything but they are not specialists – our old home evaluations in Massachusetts are thorough. It is also important to know the costs involved for any structural repairs prior to purchasing the home. There is nothing worse than buying an older home and discovering afterward that there is significant structural damage. We do it all, from sill beam replacements to post-beam repair.
Why Structural Stability Is Important in a House
When restoring a historic or colonial home, maintaining structural stability is crucial to preserving its original character while ensuring its safety and longevity. The unique construction methods and materials used in colonial-era homes—such as timber framing, hand-hewn beams, and stone foundations—require a careful approach to maintenance and repair. That’s why it’s important you consider preventative maintenance in the form of regular inspections (every 3–5 years) to monitor any changes to the structure.
Our team at Colonial Restorations specializes in carefully assessing the integrity of these historic structures. Structural stability is key to ensuring an old home will survive the rest of time. We work to reinforce the foundation, stabilize load-bearing walls, and restore essential framing, all while honoring the craftsmanship of the past. By balancing modern engineering techniques with traditional materials, we help ensure your old home stands strong for generations to come. Read our FAQ for more information on what structural restoration services can do for you.
Signs of Structural Issues
Cracks in walls or foundations
Look for large cracks (especially those that widen over time) in walls, floors, and foundations. These could indicate shifting or settling.
Sagging floors or roofs
If floors seem uneven or sagging, it could be a sign of structural damage to joists or beams.
Doors and windows that stick
This can indicate shifting or settling of the house’s frame, often due to foundation problems.
Water damage or rot
Look for mold or water stains, especially around the basement or foundation, as water infiltration can weaken structural integrity.
Tilting walls or leaning chimney This can signal structural failure or shifting in the foundation.
Common Structural Stability Problems in Older Homes
Foundation issues
Over time, foundations can shift due to soil settlement, moisture, or aging materials. If the foundation isn’t level or has visible damage, it can affect the overall stability of the home.
Wood rot and termite damage
Older homes with wood framing can suffer from rot or termite infestations, which weaken critical structural components like beams and joists.
Outdated building codes
Your home may not have been built with modern codes and safety standards, which can result in vulnerabilities over time, particularly if it wasn’t upgraded.
Structural settling
Older homes may experience natural settling over time, but this can cause walls, floors, and even windows or doors to become misaligned. In this case, you may require a sill replacement.
Roof framing
Older roofs can develop issues with trusses or rafters due to age, material degradation, or improper installation.
Old House or Barn Restoration
Our goal is to restore, not renovate. We believe in bringing old homes and barns back to their original glory without compromising their authenticity. By focusing on long-term preservation, we prevent future damage, helping you avoid costly repairs down the road. Each project is tailored to meet the specific needs of the property, ensuring that the restoration process stays true to the building’s history and character.
Barn restoration often involves addressing issues like foundation settling, roof damage, and wood decay. We repair or replace damaged timbers, restore original siding, and reinforce the foundation to provide long-term stability. In addition to structural restoration, we focus on improving the functionality of old barns, making them more durable for modern use while staying true to their original design.
Restoring your property while prioritizing structural stability is not only an investment in its future but also a way to maintain its value. Our expertise in historic preservation ensures that your project will meet historical preservation standards and your building’s heritage. At Colonial Restorations, we pride ourselves on providing quality craftsmanship, offering peace of mind to homeowners and barn owners who want to keep their properties standing strong for generations to come.
The Restoration Process – What’s Next?
If you’ve identified structural stability issues in your historic home or barn, don’t wait to address these issues. The process of repairing structures typically begins with a detailed assessment followed by a restoration design that outlines the necessary repairs.
Depending on the assessment, the restoration work could include foundation repairs, replacing or reinforcing beams and joists, waterproofing, and more. After repairs are made to preserve the structural stability of your home, our team at Colonial Restoration will make cosmetic repairs that closely resemble the character and appearance of the home.
Make it official! Contact us if you have questions about the structural stability of your home or would like to get your property assessed by a professional. Colonial Restorations has specialized in structural restoration services in New England since 1981.