1870s Mansard ExteriorTraditional Exterior, Boston
This 1870s Mansard had been clad in vinyl siding and aluminum gutters in the 1980s, and years of neglect had left the brick foundation in need of re-pointing. Cellar windows were rotting, and the other windows were loose and drafty. The homeowner requested a complete renovation/restoration of the exterior. We began by removing the siding and gutters. We restored original window sills, mansard window buttresses, and appropriate window and door backband mouldings, fabricating small tight square lattice panels, and re-established wood gutters. All 20 windows received appropriate black storm windows to improve the home's energy efficiency and comfort. With a final touch of historically appropriate paint colors, this once-neglected beauty was sparkling again. The exterior renovation even won a local historical commission preservation award. Photo by Shelly Harrison.
What Houzz contributors are saying:
Traditionally used mostly in urban settings, the mansard roof became popular on small cottages in 19th-century America, possibly due to a fascination with French culture and design. I like to think that mansards became popular because they provided sophistication to even the most modest of houses and buildings constructed during that time.
Other spots. So now you've stopped the leaks at your doors and windows, and you're looking for a new challenge. There are many other places where air leaks into and out of your house, and this doesn't affect just the temperature of your home. Warm air is moist, and that moisture condenses when it hits cold air, bringing moisture into parts of your house that can create mold. Recessed lights, outlet covers, fireplace dampers and pretty much any place where a hole was made can become a problem spot. Once you start looking, you'll find air leaks all over. These small leaks can be plugged with spray foam, silicone, mortar — it all depends on how big and where they are.My advice is to take care of the big air leaks — around doors and windows — first, to make your home happier and healthier.More: Easy Green: 9 Low-Cost Ways to Insulate Windows and Doors
Photos in 1870s Mansard
Charlie Allen Renovations, Inc.