Using the Right Materials to Repair Your Older Home
In order to choose the right materials, it is important to understand how your house was built.
Why use traditional materials?
Buildings of traditional construction were made with natural materials that manage moisture by absorbing and releasing it slowly. Some of these have solid walls made of brick, stone, or earth. Even older buildings may be timber framed.
If you use modern materials to repair a house built using traditional construction methods and materials, you may cause more damage by trapping moisture and reducing permeability.
Like-for-like materials
When selecting new materials for like-for-like repairs, match the original materials as closely as possible. They need to match not only in appearance but also in physical properties so that they age in the same way over time.
Identical materials used for repair can initially present a stark new contrast against the existing building fabric but they will weather in sympathetically given time.
It’s better to not try and match the weathering by using salvaged materials. The stripping of disused buildings to supply a demand for salvaged materials should not be encouraged.
If it is not possible to source identical materials then you should try to use the most similar available. Failing this you could approach the repair in a different way.
When to use modern materials
The use of modern materials can sometimes be a solution if it means ultimately retaining more original historic material. For instance, the use of some stainless steel in repairing a historic roof might allow you to keep more of the original timber than a traditional repair.
Sourcing materials
There are now a wide variety of suppliers of many different types of material for traditional construction, such as: lime for mortars or clay roofing tiles. Details can be found in specialist directories such as the Building Conservation Directory.
Your local conservation officer may be able to help in sourcing a material that is particular to your area, such as a type of brick that was produced locally, or a particular type of stone. You may also find our technical advice helpful on:
Get the help, advice and permissions you need
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Check what permissions you may need
If you want to make repairs to your home you may need permission and should seek advice, especially if your home is listed or in a conservation area.
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Who do I contact?
This page describes the key points of contact and sources of advice if you are thinking of making changes to your home.
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Where to find the right specialist help
If you are employing a contractor or a professional adviser, they will need the expertise and experience of working with old buildings. This page will help you find and choose professionals with the skills you need.
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