Colonial Restorations

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Description

Restoration of Post and Beam Buildings and other Timber Frame Structures. Sill Replacement, Barn Restoration Flying Wall: We assembled the gable end wall of this tidal mill on the ground and a crane 'flew' it over the surrounding water. We also replaced the top plates along both sides of the mill along with several posts and tie beams. Since 1981, Colonial Restorations has provided structural restoration and repair of historic timber frame buildings as well as other post and beam structures first constructed in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Whether a country barn, a stately colonial mansion or an older family home, all our work is based on a love of these unique period post and beam buildings. A family business, Tom (UMass Class of 1973) and Brad Green (Wesleyan University Class of 2000), father and son, perform all work themselves in order to make sure that your historic timber frame project receives all the experience and commitment it requires. To know these buildings as we do is a privilege. As Pearl Buck once said, "The secret of joy in work is contained in one word - excellence. To know how to do something well is to enjoy it."And every day we find this to be true. History has a way of repeating itself. In the early-mid 1980s, the savings and loan crisis caused a recession in the building trades. Some builders tried to provide themselves an income by expanding the services that they offered. With no real timber frame experience, they often advertised sill replacement and structural work relating to post and beam buildings. Unfortunately, they often lack the practical experience and love of the antique buildings to do the job successfully. In the past few years, we have worked or done site visits as far away as Kennebunk, ME, northern Vermont, and Buffalo, NY to the north. South of our location, sites include the Hamptons on Long Island, northern New Jersey, and numerous sites all over CT. Of course all of Massachusetts, including Cape Cod and the islands, are in our work area. We have been called to consult on houses not only with water and rot damage, but also tornados and even an explosion. Preservation of Colonial Era House and Barn Frames. Replacement of structural timbers:Using full sized beams and traditional joinery wherever possible, our goal is to furnish every timber framed building that comes under our care with the skill and craftsmanship needed to endure another two centuries or more.The bulk of Colonial Restorations' workload involves the replacement of structural timbers including structural sill replacement, rotted beam repair, complete substructures, posts, top plates, and other structural restoration. While we will at times recommend the repair of existing beams, replacement is often the best or only solution. In the last 26 years, we have personally replaced over six miles of structural timbers.We also restore substructures and furnish sill replacement for balloon frame buildings.

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