Slate Roofing explanation explanation explanation explanation explanation explanation explanation explanation explanation explanation explanation see more Plain Tiles and Pantiles (cladding with tiles) explanationexplanation explanation explanation explanation explanation explanation explanation explanation explanation explanation explanation see more Flashing explanationexplanation explanation explanation explanation explanation explanation explanation explanation explanation explanation explanation see more Cornices explantionexplanation explanation explanation explanation explanation explanation explanation explanation …
Category: Heritage Guide
The Heritage Homes Guide
Valleys and parapet gutters
Why Important These gutters are generally found on 19th Century buildings and later. Although they were retrospectively installed on some Georgian properties. Valley gutters are found in the middle of ‘M’ roofs and take water from both the inside pitches. This double- pitched arrangement channels water towards the middle of the building and not to the …
Use of Environmentally friendly Paint
Why Important Debate rages about the environmental impact of the many different types of paint. What to look for Water-borne paints may seem better, as they use water as a solvent; but they use synthetic petrochemical binders. Even so-called ‘eco-friendly’ paints may have hidden costs or disadvantages. When to look How to fix If any …
TV Aerials and Satellite Dishes
Why Important New satellite dishes are subject to Wirral Council Planning Permission and are only acceptable where they can be hidden from view and do not affect the character or setting of the buildings. What to look for Satellite dishes are too often placed in position with little regard to the overall visual effect. As …
Traditional Plaster for Walls
Why Important What to look for Walls were plastered in a similar way to ceilings: timber lathing was either nailed to timber strapping fixed to bilgates (built-in battens) or dooks (driven-in plugs) in the stonework, or fixed directly to timber stud partitions. In some cases, for example in stairs and basement rooms, the plaster was …
Traditional Plaster Ceilings
Why Important What to look for When viewed from above, a litter of broken pieces of plaster between the branders is sufficient warning that the ceiling is no longer ‘keyed’ and may therefore fall, although many badly bulging and cracked ceilings remain in position for years, whereas others collapse without warning. Where a ceiling has …
Traditional Plaster affected by damp problems
Why Important What to look for Staining of the plaster quite visible. If stained by rising damp, the insertion of a dpc may not solve the problem immediately, as the drying-out process can take several months. Evaporation will lead to hygroscopic salts forming a damp patch on the plaster When to look The drying-out process …
Traditional Ornamentation Decorative Plaster
Why Important What to look for The following materials were used for decorating walls, ceilings, fireplaces and furniture: Stucco: ‘stucco’ being used for fine work and applied decoration. It is similar in composition to plaster but marble dust is added instead of sand and hair. However, in Scotland the terms ‘plaster’ and ‘stucco’ are synonymous. …
Traditional Decorative Plaster
Why Important The amount and detail of decoration varies from floor to floor, corresponding to the importance of the rooms within the house; certain decorative motifs were considered suitable for the different functions of rooms, and themes would be carried through the various elements of the room. What to look for Decorative plaster can either …