Investigating Damage Beneath Modern Coatings
Inappropriate modern paints and cement-based renders can restrict moisture movement and drying in traditionally constructed buildings. Trapped moisture can contribute to deterioration of historic brickwork and masonry, timber decay and conditions favourable to wood-boring insects.
These photographs illustrate investigations involving the removal of modern coatings to expose historic masonry and timber framing. Opening up concealed areas helps establish the extent of deterioration and identify appropriate repairs using compatible traditional materials.
These before-and-after photographs show the rear of a period property affected by serious damp associated with modern paint and cement finishes covering the timber beams and masonry. Removing these coatings helps the building breathe and dry naturally, reducing trapped moisture that contributes to timber rot and masonry deterioration.
This example illustrates what may lie beneath modern finishes: rotten beams and decayed masonry that can require substantial repair, restoration or replacement.
These photographs show extensive deterioration exposed during work to a 500-year-old oak-framed building. Inappropriate cement renders and modern paints can trap moisture and prevent historic walls from drying naturally, accelerating timber decay and masonry deterioration. Damp, decaying timber can also provide favourable conditions for wood-boring insects, including deathwatch beetle, compounding the damage.
Removing incompatible finishes reveals the extent of deterioration and allows appropriate repairs using traditional, compatible materials.
Specialist investigations into building defects that appear after a property purchase. We provide comprehensive technical support and detailed restoration cost assessments for historic properties.
Defect Investigation
