Why Important
The Georgian Quarter has an important architectural feature, involving extending the top of the front wall above the natural eaves level, which is used to increase the height and therefore improve the proportions of the front elevation whilst concealing the roof behind.
Water Insulation and Ventilation ingress to joints allows water into the wall-head and can affect roof timbers such as rafter feet and timber bearers behind, leading to a series of problems and expensive repairs.
What to look for
Water ingress can also corrode the ferrous fixings often used to pin balustrade stones together.
Rusting iron expands, breaking the stone around the fixing. This makes it unstable and potentially damages adjacent stones. These balustrade stones are complex pieces of carving and expensive to re-make.
Problems with individual stones can affect long unbraced sections of balustrade (or parapet) causing horizontal and vertical distortion.
When to look
As the stonework is exposed to wind and rain on both sides, regular inspection is important.
How to fix
In the case of long un-braced sections of balustrade (or parapet) causing horizontal and vertical distortion, expert professional advice should be sought.
Avoiding creating problems
Because of the exposure, maintaining the pointing is extremely important, to avoid the erosion of joints and instability of the individual stones. Use suitable stone when restoring, to ensure similarity of colour and surface with the original stonework.