Walls and cladding
Villas used timber framing and wall cladding.
In any renovation, you’ll need to consider insulation and re-lining, and may have to deal with issues such as undersized framing or other structural weaknesses, and moisture.
Original details
Wall framing
Villa framing is typically rough sawn 4 x 2” rimu or other timber such as totara or kauri. Read more.
Wall cladding
Most villas were clad in rusticated weatherboard, though there are examples of overlapping plain boards, and of brick cladding. Read more.
Internal linings
Interior walls were typically lined with timber, overlaid with scrim and wallpaper in living areas. Read more.
Common problems and remedies
Insulation
Villas were typically constructed without insulation. Even with modifications, most villas fall below current insulation requirements. Read more.
Internal linings
In many villas, plasterboard linings have been installed either over or in place of existing match-lining. Where plasterboard has not been installed, one of the challenges of renovation will be installation of new linings. Read more.
Structure
Structural problems in villas include undersized framing and potentially dangerous structures such as brick chimneys with failing mortar. Read more.
Matching new framing and cladding to existing
New framing timber has different dimensions from original villa framing. Weatherboard dimensions are also slightly different. There are several ways to deal with these differences. Read more.
Moisture
Villas generally cope well with moisture because their structure allows air to circulate. But as they are upgraded and become more airtight, moisture can become an issue. Read more.
Problems with cladding
Common problems with cladding include lack of underlay, cracking in masonry, and corrosion. Read more.
Other common problems
Other common problems include walls that are out of square, cracked plaster, draughts, and jammed windows and doors. Read more.