Hart House, Lynnfield, MA
C. 1690
A handsome two-over-two with a lower pitch lean-to (in contemporary parlance a “broken-back saltbox”) sits regally facing south, as did all early country houses. The house was handed down from Isaac Hart through seven generations, until 1947 when it was sold out of the family.
The owners originally contacted us due to a severe ice damming problem resulting in water damage to the interior; the roof also needing replacement. As is oftentimes the case, the challenge was to make determinations and plan the work to prevent further damage to the house, yet retain its historic character both inside and out. After an initial assessment, the house was secured until work could begin in the spring.
To prevent future ice damming it was necessary to insulate the upper storey. From an aesthetic point it was essential to retain the original exposed roof framing and sheathing in the attic. The most economical and least invasive way to accomplish that was to insulate the outside.
Exterior Work
Rigid foam insulation was installed over the original sheathing and the shingles replaced. In this case we used the longest and thickest cedar shingles to best duplicate the original look. Installed to provide air flow insures maximum temperature and moisture management; quick drying promotes longevity. At the lean-to where the roof pitch changes, three rows of custom steam-bent shingles were required. New rake and fascia boards completed the work.
Other exterior work included building clinch nailed plank storm doors as well as a wooden gutter above the rear entrance.
If you are interested in the history of the Hart House, please see these sites supplied by the owners:
Interior Work
- A reproduction wall in the keeping room, of wide-board vertical paneling to accommodate a closet
- Hand planed paneling and a new door in the parlor to match original work
- Plaster restoration
- An existing bath on the second floor was completely reworked with custom cabinetry, new fixtures, plumbing, electrical, etc.
- Hardware restoration
All materials were manufactured in the shop, worked in the old manner.