Before you undertake a project to restore your stone or brick building there are many things that you should take into consideration. We’ve put together a checklist for you to make sure that you not only choose the correct services but so that you can receive the correct solution too
1. The age of your building
The age of your building can be one of the main reasons it is in need of restoration. It is important to understand how long the building’s façade has been open to the elements. Especially if some elements are older than others. For example, the front of a building is more likely to receive specialist care than the back as the front of the building is visible to people on the street, and its visual appearance can have an impact on people’s perception.
2. If works have been carried out before
This might not have been the first time that you or someone else has carried out repairs or restoration work to the building. It’s important to understand this for two reasons. First of all, to understand if any previous work to the building might be affecting what is happening to it now, as poor maintenance work can sometimes aid deterioration. Or secondly, if the work that was carried out before is now failing, as it might be beneficial to try another solution or consider a more protective solution that will last.
3. Type of building (e.g listed)
If your building is stone or brick and is listed, then work will have to be carried out to certain standards such as working with a conservation officer and standards set out for restoring listed buildings. This is often the case with historic brick or stone buildings. It is important then that the correct restoration methods are used, and that no harm further or unnecessary harm is brought against the building.
4. Type of problem occuring to your building
Will the work need to include cleaning, repointing or replacement? The best way to find out is to get an expert to carry out a full survey to determine the best solution for your building. That way you can be provided with an overview of the condition, the causes of issues, and what the best restorative or repair method would be. At this point, you might also have to imagine what you want your building to look like upon completion, as you might want a complete restoration, or for the building to keep some of its character. Sometimes there are different options to achieve the look you are hoping for.
5. The location of your building
Stone buildings are often commonplace in cities such as London and Bath. This can mean it could be difficult to easily access sections of the building for stone restoration or brick restoration to be carried out. This means you might have to consider your access methods carefully. Luckily there are many to choose from such as rope access, MEWP, as well as the most common: scaffold.
If you are looking for a stone or brick restoration solution that fits in line with your current building’s design, contact our technical team today. We will review your current structure and help you source the correct details and solutions for your project.
