Algae — The Ringleader
Red and Green algae are in charge! When people notice staining on their walls, it is often the red colour that draws attention first. It stands out. It looks unusual. It raises concern. But red algae is only part of the picture. Green algae is just as important — and often more widespread. What is […]
Exterior Treatment of Historic Buildings: What You Need to Know
Over recent weeks, we have explored the subject of exterior treatment from several perspectives: industry practice, material behaviour, biological growth and chemical selection. Taken together, these discussions point to a simple conclusion. Exterior treatment of historic buildings is not a routine cleaning task.It is a conservation intervention. This final article sets out the key considerations […]
What Does Responsible Exterior Treatment Look Like?
Over the course of this series, several themes have emerged. Exterior treatment remains a largely unregulated activity.Methods and materials vary significantly.The consequences of inappropriate intervention are not always immediately visible. The final question, therefore, is a constructive one. What does responsible exterior treatment actually look like? Understanding the material Historic buildings are composed of materials […]
When Cleaning Causes Damage: Hidden Consequences for Historic Buildings
Exterior treatment is often judged by the immediate visual result. A façade that appears brighter or a roof that looks free from staining may be taken as evidence of a successful intervention. However, for historic buildings, the true impact of exterior treatment is rarely visible on the day the work is completed. Materials such as […]