Eichler Maintenance.....January 27, 2024

This Eichler-inspired Home has presence on the street

The Top 6 improvements & maintenance/repairs for your Eichler Home

Our Tennessee House was inspired by Eichler Houses here in California.  My firm has worked on many Eichlers and these are 6 things that any Eichler Owner should do:
1.Replace all single-paned glass with double tempered glass.  The glass units that are held in place with wood stops can be easily replaced with double glass units and need not have aluminum frames.  You want this because it preserves the Eichler lightness and design.  You will probably get an protests from the General Contractor or glass compnay-- but ignore them.  This  can be done and still meet the building codes and Energy Codes.
2. Replace the main electrical panel with new electrical panel because the Eichler breakers are now longer made.  Also, modern house power requirements are much higher than the original 75 amp panel size.  I recommend 150 amp miniimum upgrade.
3. Replace the 3/8" thick grooved panel with new 5/8" thick grooved panels. Here is a great source here in the Bay Area:  Eichler Siding San Rafael.  Insulate the wall while the siding being replaced.
4. Preserve the original Globe lighting fixtures as much as possible..These are signature items just like the 3-part Ford Mustang rear tail lights are signature items on the Mustang.
5. Roofing. Probaby the most problematic for Eichler Owners.   Monitor the condition the flat roof areas.  Do not install a spray-applied roof—these installs are expedient and are typically sloppy.  Instead, remove the entire roofing down to the deck.   Then, install nailable insulation (2" thick min.) and then install the roofing over that.   The insulation stops at the wall below and doesn't extend to the gutters.
6.Eichlers have thin interior walls thru which sound easily passes.   Insulate interior walls for sound proofing.  Also change all the interior doors from hollow-core to solid-core design
By embracing the legacy of Joseph Eichler and his stable of very talented Architects, you contribute to the ongoing story of these iconic mid-century nmodern homes.  Did you know that Apple Computer was founded in an Eichler Garage?

Glass walls have minimal site constructed wood frames for maximum glass and minimal frames.

The Primary bedroom window wall is minimal and elegant because the windows are set into field-built wood frames integrated with the house structure.