We are experienced in house restoration techniques for the older period properties.
The property above is to be cleaned, repaired and restored.
Damage to the limestone widow architrave is clearly visible
The damage to the solid limestone roof above the bay window is also visible.
Due to insufficient timber supporting the actual roof system was collapsing.
It has led to further interior damage due to water ingress over time.
The porch roof has been replaced and the stonework above the window has been replaced or repaired.
Two steel lintels have been inserted to replace the undersized timber beam that had allowed the window area to collapse.
The face brickwork has been re-pointed with lime mortar where necessary.
All structural repairs have meant replacing some of the limestone sections, making repairs where possible, all using the time-honoured method of lime mortar work.
As you can see the stone stringer around the entire building that acts as a water drip as well as a visual architectural feature has sustained considerable damage. The gutter has been leaking for a long time and has stained the wall and also made allowed damp penetration to the fabric of the building.
The new owner of the building wishes to restore this fine house to its former glory. As you can see there has been considerable frost damage to some of the stonework as the picture on the right shows.
Damaged stonework has been replaced, downpipes painted and replaced.
The stone arches repaired or replaced as necessary.
The stonework above the window has been replaced prior to the replacement of the stonework for the roof above the bay window.
Structural damage to the window mullions, a serious cause for concern.
This damage undermines the window structure and
needs careful repairing. The window mullion had
to be disassembled and then a new piece of stone had to glued into place before the window could be re-built. Corner stringers had to be replaced as with other damaged areas.
The lead flashing also needed to be restored
This works in progress picture shows the extensive mould growth on the brickwork.
The roof above this second bay window was also replaced.
We have extensive experience with roofing works of all kinds.
Repairs carefully completed, this property now has the glamour and beauty that it deserves.
The transformation is complete and is not just a cosmetic success
but will enable this building to breathe properly and retain its true character.
The materials used in this restoration project are based on the use of limestone and lime work.
Lime restoration is simple and effective and does not harm the fabric
of the building unlike cement-based mortars.
These items have been included to draw attention to the fact that we are builders that are able to undertake renovation projects and use the restoration techniques using lime renders, mortars, limewashes etc., that are necessary for house restoration and restore other old buildings to the best condition to survive the elements.
Using a lime render with a limewash allows the building to move and flex because it is more flexible than cement renders, it also allows moisture to easily escape the fabric, so the walls can dry out. If they get hairline cracks which they generally do with cob due to the changes in temperature etc the limewash becomes self -repairing. It is also much more eco-friendly, it absorbs carbon dioxide to cure and walls made with lime mortar can be recycled over and over. Cement walls that fail or buildings built with cement that need demolishing cannot be recycled they are just destined for landfill.
We consider ourselves Eco builders because we believe the techniques in building that we employ have a useful contribution in today’s modern world. Both in new construction and old.