Conservation and Restoration Level 2 Flashcards
Conservation and restoration
How have you prepared a report identifying materials, periods of construction (including historic alterations), typical defects/problems?
When undertaking building surveys I identify age, construction type and architectural features e.g., properties built pre 1875 may not have a DPC which or solid floors with no DPM which could lead to dampness.
How have you assessed the impact of modern technology and repair methods on traditional buildings, structures, elements and materials?
It depends on the repair methods. For example, cement on older softer stone or brick is inappropriate but upgrading a buildings thermal efficiency using heritage style double glazing is a positive.
How have you assessed and reported on factors that are resulting or could result in redundancy?
Yes, depending on the property for example, inappropriate repairs e.g., blocking ventilation can lead to dry rot in subfloor appears which could result in redundancy.
How have you advised on situations where incompatibility of materials is found to be detrimental to the future of the structure or element?
Higher Green Lane. The property had been pointed in sand/cement and was too hard of the softer brick. I advised to carefully remove mortar and replace with a softer lime-based mortar mix.
You come across a period oak timber framed property and the ground beams are sitting directly on the ground. Would you recommend any damp proofing works?
It depends on the condition of the beams. Damp proofing works would be last resort and would have to be sympathetic using similar materials. The beams will have been sitting directly on the ground for 100+years, so likelihood it was built like this.
Manchester Road: What was your role in the Level 3 (HSS) survey? What type of period property was involved? Was it listed or within a conservation area? Can you explain how the paint was causing the sandstone to erode?
I assisted the senior surveyor with a Victorian terraced house. It was not listed. The paint was non-breathable and trapping moisture in, freezing and causing spalling to the stonework.
What is meant by a DOFF registered specialist?
A specialist stone cleaner who uses low pressure and high temperature to clean stonework. They are RIBA and Historic England approved.
Higher Green Road: What was your role in the Level 3 (HSS) survey? What type of period property was involved? Can you tell my how the incorrect pointing repairs were causing the brickwork to deteriorate?
I was assisting the senior surveyor. Incorrect pointing repairs leads to spalling of the brickwork. The moisture goes through the path of least resistance which is the softer brick which causes the brickwork to spall when freezing/heating.
How would you ascertain if a builder was competent and experienced with period properties?
You would for SPAB, IHBC, Historic England registered contractors or look at a builders portfolio.
