The exterior of an old house does more than shelter its residents – it tells a story. Every weathered shingle, windowpane, and cornice carries a memory of craftsmanship from another time. Yet even the most enduring homes in Edmonton’s historic neighbourhoods – whether in Old Strathcona, Highlands, or Glenora – eventually need a thoughtful update. Exterior renovations provide a way to protect heritage while preparing for the future, balancing historic character with modern performance and comfort.
This guide explores the main types of exterior renovation for an old house, along with practical advice for preserving authenticity, avoiding common mistakes, and choosing the right materials for Edmonton’s variable climate.
Understanding Exterior Renovation
Exterior renovation goes far beyond applying a new coat of paint. It encompasses repairs, replacements, and upgrades that improve a building’s durability, energy efficiency, and aesthetic harmony.
Each layer – from siding to roof shingles – acts as a barrier against wind, moisture, and time. Renovating an old home’s envelope means addressing issues of structure and style together, ensuring that modern improvements enhance rather than erase its identity.
Many Edmontonians take this opportunity to integrate sustainable materials or locally sourced products, creating homes that age gracefully while reducing environmental impact.
Main Types of Exterior Renovation
- Siding and Cladding: The outermost skin of your home shapes both its look and its longevity. Options include restoring original wood siding, repairing damaged boards, or replacing entire sections with fiber cement or engineered wood that mimics historical textures.
- Windows and Doors: Original wood windows often define a home’s architectural rhythm. When possible, restore them – adding weatherstripping or storm panes for efficiency. If replacement is necessary, choose energy-efficient models that replicate the original profiles and materials.
- Roofing: Roofs bear the brunt of Alberta’s seasonal extremes. Renovation can mean patching leaks, replacing shingles, or even rebuilding the roofline using historically accurate materials such as cedar shakes or slate. Proper insulation beneath ensures comfort and energy savings.
- Porches, Decks, and Patios: An inviting porch or restored veranda connects a historic home to its surroundings. Replacing rotted wood, stabilizing columns, or adding new outdoor spaces – like back decks – can expand your home’s usability while respecting its proportions.
- Landscaping and Hardscaping: Exterior character extends to the yard. Restoring walkways, adding heritage-style fencing, or replanting with native species strengthens curb appeal and complements the home’s era.
Why Exterior Renovation Matters
An investment in your home’s exterior yields benefits that reach beyond aesthetics.
- Protecting Structural Integrity. The exterior envelope shields the framework from moisture, pests, and temperature swings. Timely repairs prevent minor issues from escalating into major damage.
- Improving Energy Efficiency. According to Natural Resources Canada, windows and doors can account for up to 25% of total household heat loss. Exterior walls themselves can represent 25–35 % of heat loss in older homes (see Natural Resources Canada – Building Envelope Systems). Upgrading insulation, sealing cracks, and installing efficient openings reduce both waste and winter heating costs.
- Boosting Property Value. Curb appeal and craftsmanship strongly influence resale potential. A restored façade or elegant new entryway can raise both market value and neighbourhood pride.
Comparing Siding Options for Old Houses
| Parameter | Vinyl Siding | Fiber Cement | Wood Siding |
| Average Cost (per sq. ft. installed) | $4 – $8 | $6 – $13 | $7 – $15+ |
| Maintenance | Low (periodic washing) | Moderate (repaint every 10 – 15 yrs) | High (regular painting/staining) |
| Historical Authenticity | Low-Medium | Medium-High | High |
Wood siding remains the gold standard for authenticity in Edmonton’s heritage districts, while fiber cement offers a convincing balance between longevity and period charm. Vinyl, though affordable, suits newer homes better than ornate Victorian facades.
Choosing the Right Renovations
- Assess the Condition: Begin with a professional or DIY inspection to uncover issues such as rot, foundation cracks, or roof leaks. Addressing these structural priorities ensures that cosmetic work lasts.
- Respect the Architectural Style: Every house tells a stylistic story – be it Victorian elegance, Craftsman simplicity, or Mid-Century clean lines. The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties recommend balancing new materials with preservation, ensuring that updates remain reversible and compatible with the original design.
- Balance Budget with Impact: Not all upgrades require major spending. Repainting trim in historically accurate tones, replacing outdated lighting, or refinishing a front door can rejuvenate an exterior at modest cost.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When renovating an older home, what you don’t do is often as important as what you do.
- Erasing Character: Avoid the temptation to strip away unique historical details. Ornate trim, original windows, and unique masonry are often irreplaceable and contribute significantly to the home’s value and charm.
- Using Inappropriate Materials: Using modern materials that clash with the home’s original style can devalue the property. For example, installing vinyl windows in a Victorian home can look out of place and detract from its authenticity.
- Ignoring Underlying Issues: Placing new siding over rotting wood or installing a new roof on a compromised structure is a recipe for disaster. Always address foundational issues before focusing on cosmetic upgrades.
Discussion: Restoration vs. Renovation
A key discussion in heritage work is whether to restore or renovate.
- Restoration seeks to return the home to its original appearance, using period-accurate materials and methods. The U.S. National Park Service’s Historic Preservation Standards highlight the importance of retaining original architectural elements and craftsmanship whenever possible.
- Renovation adapts the structure for contemporary living – perhaps blending traditional façades with modern insulation or solar panels.
In practice, most projects mix the two: maintaining historic texture while discreetly introducing modern performance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What should I consider first when planning an exterior renovation of an old house?
Always start with a professional inspection to identify any urgent structural issues, such as problems with the foundation, roof, or drainage. Addressing these practical needs should be the priority before any cosmetic changes are made.
2. How do I choose the best windows for my old house?
If the original windows can be repaired and restored, this is often the best option for preserving historical character. If they must be replaced, choose new windows that match the style, material, and pane configuration of the originals. Look for energy-efficient models that don’t sacrifice aesthetics.
3. What are the main advantages and disadvantages of renovating an old house’s exterior?
The primary advantages are increased curb appeal, improved energy efficiency, and the preservation of architectural heritage. The main disadvantages can include higher costs due to specialized labor or materials, and the potential for uncovering unexpected structural problems during the renovation process.
Conclusion
Exterior renovation is more than maintenance – it’s stewardship. By selecting the right blend of restoration and modernization, homeowners can extend the life of historic buildings while keeping them comfortable and efficient for future generations. Each new coat of paint, restored gable, or repaired porch step becomes part of Edmonton’s continuing architectural story.