Conservation Outreach
Traditional Building Skills Advice Leaflets
Whether a building is a stately home, a terraced house or a thatched cottage, the main principles and practice of conservation remain the same:
Summary of Conservation Principles
• Minimum intervention
• Repair rather than replace
• Respect the setting
Summary of Conservation Procedure
• Research the history of the house
• Identify original work and analyse materials used
• Plan work according to conservation principles
• Use experts where necessary
• Put a maintenance plan in place
It is necessary to be aware, if undertaking conservation /restoration work, that there are major differences in construction between 18th, 19th and early 20th century traditionally built houses, and newer houses, with their cavity walls, damp-proofing and the use of an outer layer which is impervious to moisture. The correct care and conservation of traditional buildings needs to be based on a knowledge of how period buildings were constructed, and of their particular requirements and needs. Under normal circumstances, older buildings will survive well if they are allowed to function as they were intended.
Flexibility is necessary for the older house to enable it to cope with seasonal changes of moisture content and temperature. If held rigidly, the constant natural movements and adjustments of the stone, brick or mud wall are inhibited , often leading to cracking and structural damage. Porosity is also an essential requirement, allowing moisture to be freely absorbed by the walls and, most importantly, to be readily evaporated, thus allowing the building to breathe. The use of lime in mortars and renders is a major factor in achieving the necessary flexibility and plasticity, and lime has been used in the construction of buildings well into the 20th century. In conservation and restoration work, mixes used for pointing and for renders should be pliable and porous (lime based), not hard and impenetrable (cement based) as has become the common practice.
The Happy House
A summary of the basics which, if adhered to, will lead to a happy house:
• Loving care
• Minimum intervention
• Repair rather than replace
• Use of materials and finishes which are porous and flexible, allowing the house to breathe and move
• Adequate ventilation with constant low temperature
• No water ingress
• Regular maintenance checks and prompt action if required
• Professional advice if necessary
Download one of our advice leaflets:
For further information please contact:
Irish Georgian Society 74, Merrion Square Dublin 2 tel. 01 6767053 email info@igs.ie
Make a Donation