Mick Gasz
Building Conservation Specialist
Core Conservation
The Latest and Greatest
Welcome to our “Tips and Hacks” blog site! We are trying to answer all the questions which might come up during planning or application. Feel free to ask for any specific subject to write about or just get in touch and ask your questions
Rotting Timber in Old Buildings (And How to Prevent It)
PROTECT YOUR TIMBER FROM ROT IN OLD BUILDINGS
Why Cement Renders Can Destroy Timber — And What to Use Instead
Did you know that a cement render can rot a solid 6×6 inch timber sill beam to dust in just 30 to 40 years?
In this video, I’ll show you exactly how that happens — and how to avoid it.
If you’ve ever worked on an old building, this will feel familiar.
Cracks in Your Lime Finish?
Don’t Panic – Here’s an Easy Fix
You might look at a freshly applied lime finish and, to your horror, see it riddled with hairline fractures. Some might call it a plastering disaster, but don’t worry—this is actually a common issue, and better yet, there’s a straightforward fix.
Why do lime plaster cracks appear?
Cracks in lime plaster typically form when the material dries too quickly. This can happen due to:
Excessive heat or direct sunlight during curing
Strong airflow or wind speeding up evaporation
Insufficient dampening of the substrate before application
