McLean Historic Timber and Lime Conservation

Owners of historic buildings will know that traditionally built homes are not only wonderful monuments to our built heritage, but also have very different requirements to the mass produced modern buildings of today.

They were traditionally built, being made without modern Portland cement and plastics. They need to be treated accordingly.

Maintenance requirements and problem diagnosis can be confusing and somewhat intimidating for those more familiar with homes built after 1919 - homes built prior to this date being considered 'historic - not only for home owners, but for the majority of trades people too. In fact, each year vast sums of money are spent, with the best of intentions to maintain homes, but in fact cause expensive to repair damage.

The good news is that when looked after sympathetically, using the correct methods, these wonderful buildings, be they a simple cottage or a stately home - many of which have already survived centuries of wear and tear - can be expected to last many more again into the future.

Some of the biggest threats to our traditionally constructed buildings are the misdiagnosis of problems, lack of knowledge with regards to repairs  and inappropriate treatments and materials. The use of modern acrylic paint along with impermeable cement based mortar and render on traditionally built homes possibly cause more damage than any other factors. These totally inappropriate materials inhibit a building's ability to 'breathe' thus creating dampness and mould.

All too frequently, home owners spend thousands of pounds on unnecessary and ineffective procedures, such as treatments for rising damp, something that is not a problem, but a - highly undesirable - symptom of other environmental problems.

The limited number of specialists tradespeople who are fortunate enough to work on historic buildings, be these castles, or cottages are skilled in the use of traditional  - and appropriate - materials and techniques, such as stone, lime mortars and plasters and timber sash windows repair.

On the other hand, a major cause of damage to historic, traditionally built buildings are the well intentioned, yet completely inappropriate renovations, materials and applications used by both home owners and tradespeople alike. This lack of knowledge can lead to problems which develop surprisingly quickly, such as damp issues.

Here is a little about us and the work we do:

• Lime Pointing, Plastering and Harling
• Conservation and Consolidation of Stone and Brickwork
• Specialists in raking out cement and re-pointing in Lime
• Mortar Matching
• Specialists in stone repairs
• Traditional Limewash
• Step repairs
• Traditional Joinery
• Only traditional materials used
• Employed in the building trade since 1985
• Using Lime since 1989
• Friendly, reliable and efficient service
• Free no-obligation estimates
• Don't hesitate to call us as we are more than happy to discuss your requirements!

McLean Timber and Lime Conservation can advise you how to best care for your building in the most appropriate manner.

Call us:

0777 614 9787    -   01698 826 941