RESTORING THE ORIGINAL CHARM OF AN 1873 MANSARD.
The exterior renovation of this 1873 Mansard was extensive. The project called for new siding, the installation of new construction first floor windows, a new roof for the front entrance and the re-glazing of all windows on the second floor. However, the most challenging task was to insulate the entire first floor from the outside in order to preserve the plaster walls on the interior. While the project was at times demanding, the restoration of the property was extremely rewarding.
Before Demolition
The house prior to renovation was clad in aluminum siding. The front entrance was overgrown with shrubbery which obscured the front porch detail.
After- Completed Renovation
The completed exterior along with colorful landscaping highlights the property's transformation. Dwarf boxwoods compliment the newly installed bluestone walkway that welcomes visitors up the the front entrance.
Before- Install Insulation
To the left you see a picture of the North side of the house prior to the removal of the aluminum siding. The picture below shows where we have already stripped away the aluminum siding and sheathing to expose the stud bays. Once the studs were exposed, we placed Roxul insulation in all cavities. After the insulation was complete, the sheathing was reinstalled and the walls covered with Tyvek. It should be noted that weather was a huge factor during this process. We only worked with one section of the house at a time. Also, each piece of sheathing was labeled and stacked to streamline the process for re-installation. Finally, in order to save time, we left a few courses of sheathing at the top, middle, and bottom and slid the insulation into these areas.
After- Completed Renovation
After completing the insulation, the window openings were prepped and the windows were installed. Finally, the windows were trimmed out and the cedar siding was installed, primed and painted.
During Construction- Siding Installation
Cedar Siding is installed using stainless steel ring shank nails. New Anderson Architectural Series windows are installed on the first floor. The owner was undecided at the time regarding paint, stain or untreated shingles on the house. Best practices would have been to back prime the siding prior to installation.
After- Completed Renovation
The exterior siding was primed with an oil primer to prevent tannins from bleeding through while the trim was primed the Insl-X Stix, which we believe to be one of the best acrylic urethane primers on the market. The body of the house is Benjamin Moore Regal Select in Bone Black while the trim color is Benjamin Moore Regal Select in Lamp Black.
During Construction- Reglazing Porch Windows & Installing Trim
The existing window glazing in the front porch was in poor condition. The windows were stripped and primed with an oil based primer before applying the glazing compound. Trim: Flat stock was used in keeping with the original detailing of the house.
After- Completed Renovation
About The Author
Derck Sturgeon is the owner of Sturgeon Construction & Restoration LLC. Derck grew up in Glens Falls, New York in the Adirondack region and drew inspiration from the rural area he was raised in. He began his construction career in upstate New York and has experience renovating properties throughout New England. With over twenty years of construction experience, Derck's broad depth of knowledge, strong interpersonal skills, creative approach to design, and meticulous focus on detail allows his company to work on a wide scope of projects from basic repairs to full home renovations.