In 2006, a weathered East Boston home became the canvas for an extraordinary transformation. When the iconic TV show, This Old House, took on the challenge of revitalizing the home, a spotlight was shone on its history. The historic building preservation project meant addressing the deteriorating structure and making this home beautiful again. 

The Challenge

The home’s exterior was in serious disrepair, with ivy-clad stucco walls that, while beautiful, were suffering from significant deterioration. Ivy is notorious for damaging walls. Cracks and damaged areas marred the façade. In addition, the home had a second-floor deck that needed reliable deck waterproofing to prevent moisture intrusion and protect against long-term structural damage.

This Old House brought in the Acrymax team for innovative, high-performance solutions that could meet the unique demands of this project and the owner’s vision for their home. 

The Acrymax Solution

Drawing on decades of experience in old house restoration, Acrymax approached the project with a two-pronged strategy to address both the structural and aesthetic challenges. 

Acrymax supplied an elastomeric acrylic coating system, enhanced with perlite texturing, to repair the stucco. This coating not only improved the appearance of the stucco walls but the perlite also helped blend and conceal the repaired areas. Acrymax also developed a custom color to match the homeowners’ specifications, resulting in a beautiful, cohesive finish where any areas of discoloration or deterioration were repaired.

When it came to the second-floor deck, Acrymax used the ARS-1 fluid-applied reinforced membrane system. This provided a durable barrier against water intrusion and can withstand foot traffic. The system’s flexibility allowed it to accommodate substrate movement, minimizing the risks of cracking and leaks.

The Results

Acrymax’s contributions were instrumental in preserving this historic building and meeting the unique demands of old house restoration for the show. Acrymax demonstrated that effective historic building preservation requires more than surface-level treatments – it demands a comprehensive, technically sophisticated approach. 

The exterior wall coating revitalized and protected the home’s façade, blending modern performance with traditional aesthetics. Acrymax’s deck waterproofing system ensured superior protection against moisture-related damage, safeguarding the structure for years to come. Thanks to our advanced coating technologies and expert application, we were able to help This Old House complete another standout restoration.

This East Boston home now stands as a prime example of Acrymax’s expertise in challenging historic building preservation projects. Whether it’s protecting stucco walls or reinforcing deck surfaces, Acrymax continues to lead the way in quality, innovation, and long-lasting results.