How to Protect Your Old Building From Winter Weather
Regular checks and maintenance tasks can make a huge difference to a building’s condition, lifespan, and energy efficiency. As the weather gets colder, here's what you can do to prepare your home.
Advice
Dealing with damp – a new Joint Position Statement
We’re pleased to support a statement from the RICS, Historic England and the Property Care Association.
Using lasers to clean alabaster
Recently, the 12th-century alabaster arch to St Mary’s, Tutbury, Staffordshire was cleaned. This church has a monumental west doorway, built in the mid-12th century and richly carved with Romanesque ornament. The doorway comprises six orders or receding arches. The innermost order is formed of thirty blocks of locally-mined alabaster. Each carved with three beak-heads and a human or animal figure. Interestingly, it is the only instance of alabaster used in an exterior arch in the country.
Research into surface coating materials for historic buildings
After helpful input from members, SPAB is reviewing its involvement with UCL surface coatings research. We are seeking to ensure traditional finishes are central to the study.
A Decade of Research into the Energy Efficiency of Old Buildings
An introduction to our findings, which we will present at the forthcoming STBA/SPAB conference
Research into water-repellents on solid walls
Although we have not historically supported the use of colourless water-repellents on historic masonry, there is a new generation of ‘breathable’ products about which that we're increasingly being asked. This research will add to a wider body of evidence that will inform the SPAB’s position on these products.
Show Time at Greenwich
Showcasing the best in practical conservation, the two days (7-8 September) attracted building professionals, homeowners, enthusiasts and those interested in developing a career in the heritage sector.