Australian Handyman - July 2018

IDEAL FOR PAINTING:

• DRIVEWAYS

• INDIVIDUAL PAVERS

• GARAGE / SHED FLOORS

SUITABLE FOR USE WITH MOST:

• CONCRETE & PAVING PAINTS

• EPOXY FLOOR COATINGS

• CONCRETE SEALERS

• POLYURETHANES

Brushes available in 50 & 75mm,

Roller covers available in 100, 230 & 270mm

PICTURES JASMINE MCLELLAND DESIGN/JONATHAN TABENSKY

OUT WITH THE OLD

Not all of the features of period homes need be

preserved. In fact, there are some costly, and in

certain cases outright unhealthy, downsides that

can come with houses from decades past.

‘It might seem obvious, but a proper analysis

of the property needs to be undertaken,’ says

architect Lindsay Douglas.

Common issues that often need dealing with

include the following:

◆ RISING DAMP Water from the ground can erode

masonry and destroy the foundations of a home,

while creating musty smells and aggravating

asthma or allergies.

◆ TERMITES These tunnelling insects are attracted

by water or dampness and feed on building

timbers, destroying a home’s structure.

◆ ASBESTOS A common building material in

Australia until it was banned, asbestos was often

used under eaves, in roof and wall sheeting and

sometimes in insulation. Exposure to asbestos

fibres is a major health risk, causing fatal

respiratory disease. Asbestos must be removed

and disposed of by a licensed contractor, never

by the DIY homeowner. Always know exactly

what you’re dealing with before you start

drilling, cutting, sanding or demolishing.

◆ UNSTABLE FOUNDATIONS Soil movement and

moisture can disturb the stability of a house

supported on timber stumps. Check the condition

of the stumps before you begin renovation work,

as they may need to be replaced. ▶

2ULJLQDOEULFNZRUNDQGñRRUERDUGV

retain character in a modern reno.