Older buildings were built with materials and methods that behave differently from modern ones. Lime mortars, solid masonry walls, timber frames and early concrete all have their own strengths and their own ways of failing. Repairing them with the wrong materials can do more harm than the original problem.
Our research work grew out of Dr Stella Macharia’s doctoral research in civil engineering, and it is the part of the practice that deals with what a building is actually made of.
What we do
- Historic mortar analysis, so repairs and repointing match the original in strength and breathability
- Historic building investigations for listed buildings, barn conversions and properties with an unknown structural history
- Timber assessments of beams, roofs and frames, including decay and past alterations
- Construction material testing and interpretation of results
- Technical reports for owners, conservation officers, architects and manufacturers
When it is useful
- Converting a barn or agricultural building (see barn conversions)
- Repairing or altering a pre-1900 or listed property (see pre-1800s buildings)
- Choosing repair materials that are compatible with the existing structure
- Assessing a construction product or material for a specific use
The result is a clear explanation of what the building is made of, how it is behaving, and which repair approach suits it.
Available from our Peterborough and London offices. Get in touch.