Architectural Styles That Stand The Test Of Time
Bare with me on this one! I know it seems a bit odd, almost intimidating... but I think that's why it's interesting! This style is known for its use of exposed, unpainted concrete and minimalist, non-decorative designs.
Dutch Colonial
This style is practical but elegant! It tends to feature a sloped, two-sided roof with overhanging edges.
Tudor Revival
Shout out to the late medieval and early Renaissance times! This style tends to showcase steep roofs with multiple peaks, decorative lining, and dramatic chimneys.
Craftsman
Adored and homely, this style tends to focus on dramatic front porches, natural materials, and handcrafted designs.
Richardsonian Romanesque
This style never fails to produce a powerful and almost rugged atmosphere! It tends to feature huge structures made of rough stone, rounded arches, and sunken openings.
Queen Anne
This lovely style is full of complexity and romance! It tends to involve a very detailed design, nonidentical wall faces, and numerous decorative materials.
Georgian
Elegant and simple, this style tends to be very symmetrical, be made of brick, have a paneled and centered front door, and have windows made up of multiple glass sections.
Italianate
Italianate style homes do not always have to involve decorative details, but when they do - wowza. This style tends to have tall and narrow windows, low sloping roofs, arches, decorative brackets under the roof edges, and a square tower as the highest point. This style tends to demand attention to detail and the importance of vertical order.
Colonial Georgian
Ah, yes! I lovely fall walk through a New England neighborhood. Like the Georgian style, this style involves windows that are evenly spaced with a multi-paned design and a door that is centered, but is made of timber and is more simply decorated.
Second Empire
Some neighborhoods have that one haunted house that everyone finds eerie... and it's always this style. But I think it's wicked gorgeous! It usually showcases steep four-sided roofs, towers, and decorative details that aren't necessarily large in scale. These homes are intricate but simple, it is very satisfying.
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Chicago Tribune
22-07-2025
- Chicago Tribune
When siding comes off, ‘true Italianate beauty' of historic Elgin house exposed
On a recent weekend earlier this month, 20 volunteers helped strip the aluminum siding that covered a 137-year-old home at 27 Rugby Place in Elgin's Gifford Park neighborhood. 'What we uncovered left us speechless — beautiful original details and brackets that had been hidden for over 50 years,' said owner Christen Sundquist, who's also the city of Elgin's historic preservation planner. 'It's a true Italianate beauty, and we're ready to bring it back to life with care and accuracy.' Sundquist is undertaking the monumental task with her husband, architect Matt Martin. The couple moved into the home in December 2021 and live there with their two young children. To help pay for the exterior renovations, the couple received a $5,000 matching grant from a Gifford Park Association program that assists Elgin Historic District property owners in covering the cost of aluminum siding removal so the original facade and missing architectural features can be restored. Association board member Paul Bednar said the money the nonprofit provides for such projects comes from funds it raises with its annual Historic Elgin House Tour, which this year will be held Sept. 6 and 7. According to association President Dan Miller, the nonprofit has awarded grant money for such work to 22 homeowners. Another 20 have done it without their financial help. Prior to the Rugby Place project, the last 'great unveiling' — as the they call such projects — took place more than three years ago on North Porter Street, he said. 'In the spirit of an old-fashioned barn raising, we typically get all the siding off before noon and then have lunch together,' Miller said. The association also recently used $5,000 in money from its house tour to pay a contractor to plant 11 magnolia trees at seven different locations on city-owned park land in the district. Magnolia trees are the variety residents commonly planted when the old neighborhoods were being built in the mid- to late-1800s, Bednar said. 'That's the start of a program to try to entice homeowners to add them into their yards as well,' Bednar said. Sundquist noted there's still a lot of work to be done to the exterior of the house, which was built in 1888 for William Kerber, cofounder of Kerber's Meat Packing Co. in Elgin. 'The aluminum removal was the easy part,' she said. 'The hard but most rewarding part will be removing the paint down to bare wood, sanding, priming and painting. We also have 30 brackets to make and crown molding and trim details to do. But the wood clapboard siding is in impeccable condition.' The cost of the exterior project, from siding removal to prepping, painting and recreation of missing features, could be between $20,000 and $40,000, depending on how much work is done by contractors, Sundquist said. Bednar said Sundquist's and Martin's home might also qualify for another $3,000 in association program funding to help pay for recreation of the original porch balcony balustrade. 'That's the next project, as we have a door that leads out to the porch, which would be another wonderful spot to entertain guests and drink a cup of coffee in the morning,' Sundquist said. Elgin has a Historic Rehabilitation Grant program that provides up to $20,000 in matching grant money for qualifying work on historic district and landmark properties but because Sundquist oversees the program, she is not eligible to apply for what it offers, she said. The Rugby Place house has been a project for the couple, who have installed central air conditioning, buried the electrical line into the property, added an upstairs laundry room, removed carpeting, sanded the wood floors, restored plaster, refinished the dining room, added first-floor casement windows and restored the front and side doors, Sundquist said. 'And way down the line, likely when our kids are in college, we hope to rebuild the belvedere on top of the roof as we found a recent historic photograph that showed that we had one,' she said.
Time Business News
19-07-2025
- Time Business News
Roofers South west London: Choosing the Right Professionals for Your Home
Southwest London is one of the most picturesque and desirable areas of the capital, filled with elegant Georgian homes, Victorian terraces, and contemporary apartments. From leafy Richmond to bustling Clapham, this part of the city blends history and modernity in a unique way. One thing that unites homeowners across all these neighborhoods is the need for dependable, professional roofers. Whether you're renovating an old slate roof on a listed property or need a quick fix after a storm, roofers Southwest London is critical. With weather that changes unpredictably and a mix of building types, roofing in this region is not a one-size-fits-all job. It requires knowledge, experience, and local expertise. This article will explore what makes a great roofer, why choosing someone local matters, and how to navigate the process of selecting the best professionals for your roofing needs. The rooftops of Southwest London tell a story of architectural heritage. In areas like Wimbledon, Putney, and Barnes, you can still find properties with original clay tiles or natural slate roofs that are more than a hundred years old. These structures weren't built with today's materials, and maintaining them requires a deep understanding of traditional roofing techniques. A roofer working on such a property needs to respect the building's historical integrity while using modern methods that ensure safety and durability. It's not just about replacing broken tiles or patching up a leak—it's about preserving a home's identity. New developments and converted flats in areas like Wandsworth or Earlsfield bring a different set of roofing challenges. Flat roofs, dormer extensions, and modern waterproofing systems are common here. These often require different skill sets and tools compared to older roofs. That's why it's so important to choose a roofer who has worked extensively in Southwest London. Local experience means understanding how to deal with everything from fragile Victorian chimney stacks to modern rubber roofing membranes. It also means being familiar with local planning regulations and conservation requirements, which are especially strict in areas like Richmond and Kew. Another reason to choose local roofers in Southwest London is the weather. The climate in London is famously unpredictable. One day it's sunny, the next it's pouring rain. This can wreak havoc on poorly maintained roofs. The freeze-thaw cycle during winter can cause tiles to crack, gutters to overflow, and leaks to form seemingly overnight. Roofers who work in this region are used to this reality and plan their repairs and installations accordingly. They know the most suitable materials to use in this kind of climate and understand how to prevent common weather-related issues. A well-maintained roof is your home's first defense against the elements, and having it looked after by someone who understands the local conditions is crucial. Choosing the right roofing company also comes down to trust. A good roofer doesn't just show up, do the job, and leave. They offer advice, explain the work, and make sure you're comfortable with the process. Homeowners in Southwest London value clear communication and transparency, especially when it comes to something as important as their roof. Whether it's a small repair or a full roof replacement, clients want to know what's being done and why. Professional roofers should be willing to provide a written estimate, walk you through their assessment, and offer a clear timeline for the work. These aren't just signs of professionalism—they're necessities for any homeowner trying to make an informed decision. Insurance and accreditation also matter a great deal. 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Skilled roofers in the area understand how to combine aesthetic appeal with functionality. They can recommend the best materials not only for performance but also for visual harmony with the rest of the property. A roof isn't just a protective layer; it's a prominent part of your home's appearance. Maintenance is another area where quality roofing companies make a big difference. Too often, roofs are neglected until something goes wrong. But the best approach is always prevention. Regular inspections, especially after heavy storms or during autumn when leaves can clog gutters, can save homeowners thousands in repairs. Local roofers often offer affordable maintenance packages that include cleaning, minor repairs, and checks on critical areas like flashing, chimneys, and skylights. Having a roofer who knows your property and keeps an eye on things regularly can prevent leaks, dampness, and heat loss before they start causing problems. 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For homeowners in Southwest London, where property values are high and architectural standards even higher, choosing the right roofer is more than a routine decision—it's an investment in your home's future. Skilled roofers in Southwest London bring a mix of local knowledge, technical expertise, and dedication to craftsmanship that ensures every roof they work on is safe, secure, and built to last. Whether you're repairing storm damage, upgrading your roof for energy efficiency, or preserving a historical structure, the right roofer will understand your goals and deliver results you can trust. Don't leave it to chance—choose a roofer who knows Southwest London as well as you do. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Miami Herald
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- Miami Herald
Half-ton Roman statues and swords found by accident: See latest ancient finds
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