Tesselated tile veranda

[Emaitchess]

Hi - our new house has a lovely tesselated tile verandah, but it needs some repairs. A number of tiles are missing (we have found most of them, but will need to source a few). Some of the patterned (encaustic?) ones are damaged and there are some gaps between tiles. I've attached a pic which shows something of what I'm talking about. Does anyone have any tips on repairing/maintaining these verandahs? I'm wondering what sort of adhesive we should use to replace the ones we have found and where we should look for replacements - also if there is any special stuff we should be cleaning them with. Should we seal the whole verandah once it is repaired?

Any thoughts gratefully accepted.

cheers
Miles

[seriph1]

hi

If you havent been already, welcome to the forum! You should find a wealth of information here. To your lovely Tesselated's - Full Circle Antiques specialise in Tesselated Tiles and are lovely, helpful people.

If youre wanting to get old ones, the task is a little more arduous as they don't respond too well to the demolisher's hammer, but you could try Whelan's Warehouse in Plummer Street Port Melbourne who I know had some as late as a year ago though may have sold them. I work in the field so if I can help further, just PM me and I will give you my contact details. Also, if you can.... include a pic of your home so folks can get a clear idea of what goes with what - it is a real help.

Have fun! :

[Emaitchess]

Thanks for those suggestions; I will follow them up. This particular project is expanding from fixing up the tiles to restoring the whole verandah. It's a return veranda on an early Edwardian brick semi-detached. It has turned timber posts, cast iron lacework and bullnosed galv iron. The posts have some weather damage which needs filling, but basically they look sound. Some of the other timber members are rotted and need replacing. The lacework is pretty rusty and the existing paint pretty stuffed - I was thinking of removing it all and having the paint professionally stripped - any thoughts on that approach? A plumber's quoted $3.5k to replace the verandah roof, guttering, flashing etc. That sounded a bit toppish to me, so we'll try and explore cheaper options. I'll try and take some decent pics to show you.

cheers
Miles

[seriph1]

hi again - done right it would be a good investment of 3.5K though I feel you could get it cheaper - depends a LOT on the profile of the roof too....pics would be a help there. If replacing posts ( I know you said you werent) take real care to get the right ones - the wrong ones kill street appeal. lacewrok can be professioinally stripped and would be my recommendation - it is no job for the novice and dangerous frankly if done with a casual attitude (not that I am referring to you) - count the bits and take some pics then go to Steptoes in Rokeby Street Collingwood - ask for George and tell him Steve Ansell said he was the bloke to see ..... he will give you a fair price, but more importantly this guy has been doing this stuff for 20+ yrs and knows his onions - he will also be likely to have replacement bits just in case. George should alos have the timber mouldings you require for replacements. Alternatively you can remove it all and apply MODOSTRIP ( from Tony Fiorentino in North Coburg - if req'd I can dig uphis number - great guy and importer of this product) - I feel it is the best stripper I have seen/used. Once again - happy to have a chat about it FOC. and a look when I am next going past your way.

have fun - it will be a stunner I reckon