Barnwood Restoration

Mason — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 01:00:00 -1800

Question for Mason:

We are finally after 4 years re insulating our kitchen walls. The drywall has been removed as well as a layer of old barnboards. We have reinsulated and the vapor barrier is in place. I like the idea of putting the barnboards back and having a rustic looking kitchen wall. My question is how would you refinish barnboard? (this board is really old and has a rough dark colour to it). And what would I use to fill the gaps between boards?

More Talk about Cracks

Mason — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -1800

Dear Mason,

My house was built in 1938. The walls are plaster over lathe. I'm noticing more cracks in the ceilings, including one that runs parallel to the chimney bump out, about 3 inches away from the wall. It actually looks like the part of the ceiling that is closer to the fireplace is a fraction (1/32"?) higher than the part outside the crack. The crack follows that chimney exactly. Is my house sinking? And do I just repair the crack, or is there more that needs to h [...]

Is My Crack is Showing?

Mason — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -1800

Dear Mason:

I live in a 1960's home in the Richmond, VA area. I seems to be of good quality construction, but I have had problems with the crown molding pulling away from the ceiling, which leaves an ugly crack. We have tried caulking it, but it re-appears after a year or less. Is there something wrong with my crown molding? What can we do to fix it forever?

Lisa B

Lisa:

Ahhh, cursed crown. It's ALIIIIIVE!

Rotten Sills, Droopy House

Mason — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -1800

I just received this inquiry from old friend and fellow remodeling professional Janver Holly in California:

Dear Mason,

I have an 1860’s house on a wood foundation. Over time the wood around the perimeter has rotted. I suppose this is because the outside of the building gets wet from weather and irrigation. The floor and floor supports are fine, just the lower part where it touches the dirt is gone. Underneath the house it is bone dry and the wood supports are perfect [...]

New Technology / Preservation

Mason — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -1800

I received this email from Jim, in Richmond, VA:

Mason - just caught your blog. What a great idea. This question may or may not rank on your list.

Many older (pre-WWII) homes in the Fan and West End areas of Richmond were constructed and finished with high-quality materials of the time, such as millwork made from old-growth hardwoods. Obviously, not all of our homes are on the historic landmarks registry, but these homes have a certain charm and scale not often found in more modern ho [...]

Ask Mason tagged 'preservation'

Barnwood Restoration

More Talk about Cracks

Is My Crack is Showing?

Rotten Sills, Droopy House

New Technology / Preservation