When it comes to home renovation, uncovering a home’s true structure can sometimes lead to unexpected discoveries. This was exactly the case with this project in Central West Toronto, where D2 Build, your premiere Toronto general contractor, was called in to restore the exterior of a century-old semi-detached home. The goal? To strip away outdated materials and bring a sleek, modern aesthetic to the façade.
Assessing the Existing Exterior
The homeowner initially believed the house was built with solid masonry—two layers of brick. However, over the years, the building contractors in Toronto had made multiple alterations. The exterior had been refinished with Angelstone, a cement-based veneer installed in the 1960s, then painted over with an oil-based paint. Over time, the Angelstone began to delaminate, with pieces falling from the structure. The homeowner wanted a fresh, contemporary exterior that would stand the test of time.
The Restoration Process
Once D2 Build began the removal process for this home renovation, they discovered that the original structure was not double brick as expected. Instead, it had a brick façade at the front, while the sides and rear were framed with wood siding or Insulbrick. Beneath this, the original sheathing—1×10 wooden planks—was exposed, revealing moisture damage, particularly around the window openings.
To ensure the new exterior would be both durable and energy-efficient, the following steps were taken:
- Sheathing Repair: Damaged sections around windows were replaced with new wood to strengthen the structure.
- Tyvek Wrap: The entire house was wrapped in Tyvek, a specialized membrane designed to protect against air and water infiltration while allowing moisture from inside the house to escape. This helps prevent mold and long-term damage.
- Comfortboard Insulation: A 1-inch thick rigid mineral board was installed to improve thermal insulation without disrupting the interior living space.
A Contemporary Exterior Transformation
With the structure properly reinforced and protected, it was time to create the modern, clean look the homeowner desired. Several key design elements were incorporated:
- Slim-Profile Windows: These enhanced the aesthetic with thin gridlines, offering a sleek, minimalist appearance.
- Modern Posts: The existing wrought iron posts were framed in and clad with contemporary wood composite boards, blending seamlessly with the new design.
- Vertical and Horizontal Siding: Carefully chosen colors and textures provided a striking yet cohesive look.
- Soffit, Fascia, and Metal Flashing: Complementary colors tied together the overall aesthetic, giving the home a refined, updated exterior.
Through careful home renovation planning and execution, D2 Build transformed this aging home’s exterior into a stunning, energy-efficient space with a modern edge. As leading building contractors in Toronto, D2 Build continues to provide high-quality craftsmanship for homeowners looking to upgrade their properties while maintaining structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.
Looking for a Toronto General Contractor to revamp your home’s exterior? Contact D2 Build today to bring your vision to life!
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