Heritage Lime Plastering Services in Aldridge

The Suffocation of Staffordshire Brick

Despite the incredible durability of Aldridge’s historic brickwork, these structures are highly vulnerable to the misuse of modern building materials. A common sight on older properties is the spalling of brick faces, where the front of the brick literally crumbles away. This severe structural decay is almost entirely caused by the modern obsession with waterproofing historic buildings. Prior to the 1920s, houses were built with solid walls designed to breathe, utilizing lime mortar and plaster to absorb and evaporate moisture. When modern renovations smother these walls in impermeable cement render or internal gypsum plaster, this natural cycle is violently interrupted. The moisture inside the wall cannot escape through the hard, waterproof plaster, so it is forced out through the face of the brick itself. During winter, this trapped moisture freezes and expands, blowing the face off the brickwork and causing widespread interior dampness. At Longnor Heritage, we arrest this decay by carefully stripping out the incompatible materials and reinstating a highly breathable lime plaster system, allowing the masonry to finally dry out naturally.

Working with Traditional Lime and Lath

Applying genuine lime plaster is an intricate craft that relies on chemical curing and historical authenticity. We do not use modern, bagged shortcuts. Our craftsmen mix authentic, non-hydraulic lime putty with carefully graded sharp sands and natural animal hair right on-site. For internal restorations, particularly over traditional timber framing, we apply the plaster using the traditional three-coat method over hand-riven oak laths. The heavily haired scratch coat is pushed through the laths to form strong 'nibs' that lock the plaster in place while retaining the flexibility to move with the timber structure. We allow this layer ample time to cure by slowly absorbing carbon dioxide from the air before applying the float coat. This second layer builds out the wall's structure while intentionally preserving the soft, uneven character of the historic interior. finally, a beautifully smooth skim coat of fine lime putty is troweled on, leaving a highly breathable surface ready for traditional mineral paints.

The Longnor Heritage Standard

Repairing a heritage property is a significant responsibility, and choosing the right contractor is paramount. Longnor Heritage was established to provide property owners in the Aldridge area with a reliable, expert partner for their conservation needs. We are not general contractors; we are dedicated solely to the restoration of historic buildings. We operate on a philosophy of Conserve, Comply, and Construct. We aim to keep as much of your original historic fabric in place as possible, providing honest assessments of what can be saved. We handle the complex compliance requirements of older buildings, ensuring your project aligns with best conservation practices. Finally, we execute the work with a team of highly skilled, accountable craftsmen who understand the regional materials of the West Midlands. When you choose Longnor Heritage, you are investing in the long-term survival and historical integrity of your property.