FAQs

I would always suggest a thorough condition survey is carried out, prior to purchase, from somebody experienced with older historic buildings. Its a specialist subject that requires a thorough understanding of how old buildings perform using traditional building materials and appropriate repair techniques. The diagnostic survey that vendors are required to provide is a useful document but tends not to cover the condition of the structure such as walling, roofs, damp and unseen structural issues. We can provide:

1. Condition surveys both in the Uk & France.
2. Schedules of repairs & programmes of work
3. On-site craft training in repair techniques using traditional materials for owners and local builders.
4. Contacts for suppliers 

Generally speaking, there could be many reasons for damp walls in old buildings. Until you know the cause of the damp you cant find the method of how to solve the problem. The common causes are:

1. Leaks from roofing, walling, chimneys, rainwater goods, doors & windows causing moisture ingress, damp & decay.
2. External ground levels raised above internal floor levels causing rising damp & decay. at ground level
3. Previous inappropriate repairs using modern methods such as cement/ gypsum based materials/plastic paints which traps moisture and salts within the walling surfaces and flooring causing damp/salt build-up and failing surface finishes.
4. Lack of ventilation & evaporation within the building exacerbates the problem.
5. Old buildings need to breathe and this is a key concept that modern materials & techniques often negate. 

Retaining historic fabric and maintaining the character of an historic building requires specialist skills & knowledge that practitioners spend a lifetime learning. Find experienced professionals who fully understand old/historic buildings and the use of traditional materials & repair techniques to provide the solutions. You can also gain knowledge and understanding by joining National Amenity Societies whose aim is to assist historic building owners such as SPAB and the Georgian Society. 

Unfortunately, nowadays we have such a shortage of crafts people that it is very hard finding the right people to assist you on the journey who have the track record, the skills & knowledge required and are honest, reliable & trustworthy. We can provide:

1. Condition surveys both in the Uk & France.
2. Schedules of repairs & programmes of work
3. On-site craft training in repair techniques using traditional materials for owners and local builders.
4. Contacts for suppliers 

Obviously there is a limit to what is possible with regards to DIY. There are certain elements that require less skill than others but a good understanding of the methods to use and traditional materials to use will get you a long way. A good teacher, practice and time can often transfer the skills required to carry out various repairs you may require. We can provide the following training for on-site specific repairs:

1. Repointing to stone, brick & flint walling
2. Lime mortars for plastering & rendering
3. Wattle & Daub/Lath & Plaster
4. Cob & earth walling
5. Lime washes for surfaces 

The timbers need to be inspected to assess what type of infestation is present or whether it is historic and no longer present. There are several types of infestation and it could be wood worm, beetle or termite. Once understood which type of infestation is present a course of action can be taken which could be either: treatment in situ or removal & replacement of decayed timbers. One always needs to remember that often the cause is due to moisture ingress and leaks that have made the timbers soft enough for the infestation to manifest. 

Old and historic buildings, especially those build before C1900, were built with solid walling techniques and often shallow foundations. Generally, they were reliant on breathability ie ventilation and evaporation to deal with damp and flexibility to deal with seasonal movement and shallow foundations. The traditional materials used were often sourced locally and often hand made. Modern materials are generally incompatible and out of character with the original and often have a negative affect on the performance of the original design & construction 

This is a very contentious subject. It will all depend on whether the building is Listed or even in a Conservation Area. If this is the case the first point of contact is to the Local Authority Conservation Officer who will decide whether it is possible and/or whether Listed Building Consent Application will be required to replace matching the existing size and design. Generally speaking plastic double glazed windows are inappropriate and detract from the historical significance of the building. Failure to comply with Listed Building Consent is a criminal offence and ignorance is no excuse. 

This is a very contentious and lengthy subject. The Listing description will highlight the special character and significance that the building has been given, and whether that may be of regional or national significance Grade I or Grade II. Prior to any proposed works being carried out always seek prior approval at the planning stage from the Local Authority Conservation Officer. Seek a pre-application site visit to discuss your proposals to save wasting time trying to achieve plans that have no chance of being approved through the Listed Building Consent Application process. Retention of as much historic fabric is a priority whereby there will always be a presumption in favour of like-for-like repairs matching the existing detailing/ materials and finish. This is often the required approach. Generally speaking plastic double glazed windows are inappropriate and detract from the historical significance of the building. Modern insulation methods can also cause an imbalance of the performance characteristics found within historic buildings. It must always be remembered that failure to comply with Listed Building Consent is a criminal offence and ignorance is no excuse. 

With great care and consideration for the performance characteristics inherent with historic buildings and fully understanding the historical significance of the building. Modern solutions and improvements are often to the detriment of old buildings so a careful balance is required between what you expect and what is realistic to achieve. The question has to be asked as to “why not buy a modern house if you want modern comforts ?”

Ivy and other climbing plants are one of the biggest causes of damage to old buildings, especially walling. Ivy needs to be removed but care must be taken to reduce the risk of further damage. It is always best practice to treat with a weed killer and cut all the roots at ground level to ensure the ivy dies off prior to removal. Be aware that there will be damage to the walling, especially the joints so expect some repointing to be required at the least.

A good Structural Engineer with experience working on historic structures is required to assess the structural integrity. They will be able to read the crack patterns and identify the cause and provide the solutions required. Cracks are often monitored over a period of time to understand whether they are of a seasonal nature due to changing ground conditions or of a structural nature whereby the integrity is compromised and requires urgent attention.