Dragon Hall Business Centre, Whitchurch Rd, Tattenhall, Chester CH3 9DU

Mon - Fri 09:00am - 06:00pm

+44(0) 1543250489

 

Period Restoration

PERIOD PROPERTY RESTORATION DIVISION

One of the key advantages of engaging with GFW Property Management is our Period Property Restoration Division called Lime Culture. This is an important asset that GFW Property Management enables its client base to access.

For clients who manage and/or own Period Property, be it Grade I or II or any period property, our Period Property Restoration Division – Lime Culture – enables them to maintain and restore the properties to the standards demanded by law.

With a depth of knowledge in regard to Period Property or Period Property Restoration Division has a depth and wealth of experience that enables it to manage and maintain the most complex issues that can and do arise in relation to Period Properties.

MANAGING AND MAINTAINING HISTORIC HOMES AND BUILDINGS

Managed and maintained Period Properties need to be regularly checked and maintenance work carried out as required to keep the building’s fabric in good order. Minor damage can lead very quickly to expensive serious structural issues.

Each Period Property should have an Archaeological Survey done and the works that are discovered which require doing should be undertaken only by skilled period experienced craftsmen. The use of traditional methods and materials are the ideal solution but, in some cases, newer methods that have proven to be sympathetic to the building’s fabric can be used.

STONEWORK AND PLASTERWORK

This type of works can range from Ceiling Roses, Cornices and Arches where the plasterwork or stonework needs to be refreshed or even re-done from scratch. Our Artisan Craftsmen and Women are fully trained and experienced with the ability to produce, install, and replace standard or bespoke plasterwork and stonework.

The range of offers for this includes traditional lath and plaster, lime plaster, elegant fibrous plasters connecting, in fact, the whole gamut of products that are required. The work is done professionally and responsibly in line with the building needs.

BRICKS & LIME MORTAR

One of the largest problems facing Period Properties is bricks and lime mortar. Exposed brick deterioration is usually due to the weathering on exposed surfaces. Seeing sound brickwork at the eye and lower levels is not an indicator of what may be occurring further up the building and should not be taken as a guide on the building fabric.

Some solutions that can be undertaken are washing, chemical treatments and abrasive cleaning but these need to be done under strictly controlled conditions with experienced workers completing the work.

When an individual brick is damaged, the replacement process needs to be done with sympathy to the building’s fabric including the use of the original mortar so that it fits into the building congruity. Complete lime mortar re-pointing of a section of wall can also help the replacement bricks settle into their new environment more suitably and also enable matching of colour and texture.

ROOFS

A Period Properties Roof or any building roof is one of the key aspects that needs to be monitored on a regular basis.

Keeping the roof of your Period Property in excellent repair will impede the damage that can be caused by moisture ingress. Maintaining the tiles and slates to make sure they are secured properly against the wind and rain is essential to good roof management.

It is commonly found that Welsh Slate or Wealden Clay roof tiles outlast the nails that were used to secure them. This can enable our artisans to re-use them which can help in the replacement process which avoids patchiness on roofs visually.
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One of the most used and effective roofing materials for flat roofs is lead. Replacing this requires the restoration team to consider the natural thermal movement of lead when being placed. We work closely with the Lead Sheet Association and their guidelines when undertaking works of this nature.
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When a roof space has been converted this should never compromise the exterior appearance of the roof. Any additions to the roofs for aesthetic reasons needs to be done sympathetically to the building’s needs.
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