Professional Building Conservator
As a highly experienced and accomplished professional with over three decades of experience in the field of building restoration, I have honed a wealth of expertise in the preservation and restoration of structures ranging from grade 1 listed properties to modern buildings. My focus is often directed towards rectifying previous work that has proven to be detrimental to a building's structural integrity, a task that demands a thorough understanding of building materials, their properties, and the proper application thereof.
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Together with my team, we offer a comprehensive range of restoration services, encompassing everything from sash window restoration, carpentry and joinery, lime and gypsum plastering, repointing in lime, and addressing issues pertaining to damp and condensation, building insulation, and painting and decoration.
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As a holder of a Master's degree in building conservation, I am committed to staying abreast of the latest developments in the field, regularly participating in training seminars, and studying literature written by esteemed experts in the field. The methods and techniques I employ in restoring traditional buildings are strictly in accordance with those recommended by Historic England and the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings.
It is a commonly held misconception that preservation is a more expensive undertaking than replacement. However, through years of experience in the field, I have found that preservation can often prove to be a more cost-effective solution in the long-term. The need for building restoration is primarily driven by structures constructed prior to 1945, which are commonly referred to as "traditional houses." These structures differ fundamentally from those built today in two key areas: construction methods and materials.
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The materials used in traditional buildings, such as bricks and lime mortar, have remained unchanged for over a millennia, with these materials being produced through low-temperature processes, resulting in non-vitrified, moisture-permeable materials. These low-fired bricks and mortars are notably more susceptible to dampness and breakage when compared to modern houses, particularly after the building and its surroundings have undergone modifications to accommodate contemporary living.
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Post-1945, the manufacturing of building materials underwent significant changes, resulting in the widespread use of waterproof materials. While this may be suitable for modern structures, it can prove detrimental to traditional houses, which rely on the natural ventilation of moisture, commonly referred to as "breathing." Furthermore, the majority of tradespeople are trained to exclusively utilise modern materials and techniques, which may not always be appropriate for traditional buildings. This lack of understanding of traditional materials and methods can lead to the discarding of these techniques, which can be detrimental to the preservation of these structures.