
In areas like Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, listed and conservation properties are abundant and they transform the landscape and our sense of our country’s history. Even stone buildings decay with age though, old brickwork much more and wychert, cob and wattle and daub have almost disappeared.
Restoring, renovating and even altering historic buildings is both a privilege and a challenge. Using traditional construction methods and materials in todays regulations can be a challenge, but one well worth taking up. A historic building becomes a sham if modern materials and practices are used to preserve just the look of an old building. Using the right methods and materials ensures these buildings are preserved for future generations while complying with today’s stringent standards. This involves considerable specialist skills. It’s worth pointing out that the local authority’s Conservation Officer can be a valuable ally in resolving these issues.
Why Traditional Methods Matter
Historic buildings were designed and built using the methods and materials available at the time. Those that have endured have done so because a different set of principles was suited to the old materials, principles never written down, but passed on father to son.
The principles, e.g. building a structure that can “breathe”, i.e. absorb moisture in wet weather and release it again in summer, are not well suited to some modern materials and nor are modern materials suited to them. Lime mortar, timber frames, and natural stone are just a few examples of materials that allow buildings to “breathe” and remain structurally sound over centuries. Modern materials, having evolved as structural practices advanced, often cannot cope with the needs of a “breathing” building. Brickwork that is started below ground level needs a damp-proof course (DPC) to stop the damp rising up the wall. If a wall can absorb that moisture, the damp-proof course is redundant. It may indeed lead to the wall drying out too much for lime plaster or lime mortar.
Using traditional methods isn’t just about preserving aesthetics; it’s about ensuring the long-term health of the building. For example, lime mortar, commonly used in older properties, is porous and flexible, enabling the natural movement of the building and preventing trapped moisture—a common issue with modern sand and cement mixes.
Navigating Modern Regulations
Modern building regulations in the UK demand high standards of safety, energy efficiency, and structural stability. While these rules aim to improve the quality of buildings, they can sometimes conflict with traditional building practices.
It’s worth noting that modern materials and practices are not “wrong”. We have very good systems of construction, as did the best architects and builders of the past. Why don’t we see old buildings failing to cope with changing weather, movement caused by nearby trees, etc? It’s because those that didn’t cope have had plenty of time to collapse and they have done so. It makes the surviving buildings more worthwhile. What we have left are the best of their time. They’re well worth saving.
For instance, insulation standards might necessitate alterations that could compromise the character or integrity of a listed property. However, solutions like breathable insulation, draught-sealing and re-glazing with narrow cavity double glazing can help meet these standards without damaging the historic fabric of the building.
At Saunders Brothers, we work closely with local conservation officers and planners to strike the right balance between authenticity and compliance, ensuring that every project respects the history of the building while meeting today’s requirements.
Addressing Past Repairs with Reverse Work
One of the challenges in restoring listed and conservation properties is undoing the damage caused by earlier, incompatible repairs. In the 1950s and 1960s, for example, it was common to repoint, or even repair brickwork with sand and cement instead of lime mortar. While this might have seemed like an improvement at the time, it often caused significant issues such as trapped moisture, spalling and cracked bricks, and structural instability.
Reversing these alterations requires care and expertise. Removing hard cement from fragile bricks, reintroducing lime mortar, and replacing inappropriate materials with traditional equivalents are critical steps in restoring the building’s original performance and appearance.
Why Experience Matters
Restoring historic properties demands a deep understanding of traditional techniques and how to adapt them to current regulations. Without this expertise, there’s a risk of causing further damage or failing to comply with modern standards. At Saunders Brothers, we specialise in using time-honoured methods to restore properties in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, ensuring that each project preserves the building’s legacy while meeting today’s expectations.
Final Thoughts
Restoring a historic property using traditional methods and materials isn’t just a task; it’s a responsibility. By respecting the building’s history and working within modern regulations, we can ensure its future. Whether you’re planning a full restoration or need help undoing the effects of past repairs, Saunders Brothers is here to guide you every step of the way.
Contact Saunders Brothers today to discuss how we can help restore your property with care, expertise, and respect for its heritage.
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