If you are thinking of buying a Listed or older property, you will probably already know that they need caring for harmoniously and the usual DIY materials from your local dealer, are more catered for modern homes. As discussed on other pages, the key for any house is to ensure moisture can evaporate easily often referred as breathability.
The point of this post however is to point you in the direction of some really great books that you can purchase, to give you some light reading and information around the subject.
One of my favorite books and a must have for anyone with a property built pre-1930 is: The Period Property Manual.
Second, a great surveyor called Marion Suhr released this book a few years back now and contains a huge amount of practical advice and materials to use: The Old House Handbook.
Third one is a must have for the conservation professional. The complete series will set you back a rather large amount of money, so maybe just buy one for the area you are interested in and then slowly build up the collection. Practical Building Conservation Series.
And that is it. Three good choices to help improve your knowledge and let you look after your property correctly.
Here are some not so common questions we have been asked, that you may find useul –
The roots of climbing plants can also cause damage to the walls, particularly if the wall is made of brick or other porous materials. As the roots grow, they can penetrate small cracks or gaps in the mortar or brickwork, causing damage and allowing moisture to seep in.
To prevent dampness and damage caused by climbing plants, it is important to ensure that they are not allowed to grow directly on the walls of a building. Instead, they should be trained to grow up trellises or other supports that are placed a few inches away from the wall.
It is also important to regularly check the walls for signs of moisture or damage caused by the plants, and to take prompt action to address any issues that are identified. This may involve removing the plants, repairing any damage, and applying a waterproof coating to the wall to prevent further moisture penetration.
Damp in buildings can be caused by a variety of factors, including ground moisture, leaks, condensation, or water ingress. When dampness is present in a building, it can lead to a number of problems, including mould growth, structural damage, and health issues.
One factor that can contribute to dampness in buildings particularly around chimneys is the presence of hygroscopic salts. These salts, which are often found in building materials such as brick or mortar, are capable of absorbing moisture from the air. As a result, they can contribute to the build-up of moisture and exacerbate problems with dampness.
When hygroscopic salts absorb moisture, they can cause a number of problems. For example, they can cause paint to blister or peel, or cause wallpaper to become discoloured or detach from the wall. In addition, the salts can cause damage to plaster and other building materials, leading to crumbling or deterioration.
To address the problem of hygroscopic salts in buildings, it may be necessary to remove or replace affected materials. This may involve removing plaster or render that has been affected by salt damage, or replacing brickwork or other structural components that are contributing to the build-up of moisture. In addition, it may be necessary to address other factors contributing to dampness in the building, such as inadequate ventilation or water ingress, in order to fully address the problem.
If you have any questions about damp, structural, building survey or defect issue in your property then please do not hesitate to contact us on 07568 513 972 or email info@smithheritagesurveyors.com.