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Found woodworm holes in your floorboards, roof timbers or old furniture? Before you pay for chemical treatment, this in-depth guide explains how to tell whether the infestation is actually active, why moisture matters, and what you should do next.This is our detailed look at woodworm treatment, going beyond the usual advice to simply spray the timber. We explain the science behind wood-boring beetles, why old flight holes don't necessarily mean you have an active infestation, and why controlling the conditions in the timber is often more important than reaching immediately for chemicals.In Part 4 of our Talking Conservation timber series, surveyor Stephen Boniface and Rich Alesbury explore what "woodworm" actually is, how beetle larvae live inside timber, the relationship between infestation and moisture, and how to distinguish current activity from historic damage.We cover:• How to tell whether woodworm is active or historic• What fresh flight holes and frass can, and cannot, tell you• A simple flour-paste and tissue test for monitoring suspected activity• Why moisture content is so important to common furniture beetle and deathwatch beetle• Why blanket chemical spraying may not solve the underlying problem• How beetles can bypass surface-applied treatments through existing holes and cracks• Why spiders and other natural predators can actually help control beetle populations• The lessons from Westminster Hall, where historic attempts at chemical treatment had unintended consequences• When carefully targeted chemical treatment may still be justifiedThe key message is not "never use chemicals." It is to understand whether you actually have an active problem, identify why the timber is providing suitable conditions for beetles, and deal with that underlying cause before resorting to widespread treatment.👉 NEED IMPARTIAL ADVICE ABOUT YOUR PROPERTY?Book a 1-to-1 video consultation with Stephen or one of our independent historic-building specialists. You are paying for their time and expertise, not for treatments or products, so there is no incentive to sell you unnecessary work.https://www.expertible.com👉 WANT TO LEARN HOW TO INVESTIGATE MOISTURE?Best Training provides online training for homeowners and professionals who want to understand how moisture is investigated in traditional and historic buildings.https://www.thebesttraining.co.uk🔔 SUBSCRIBE for more practical traditional-building conservation advice, and give the video a thumbs up if you found it useful. It helps YouTube show the episode to other owners of older buildings.Chapters:0:00 Introduction01:25 What is Woodworm & Their Lifecycles?04:34 Sapwood v Heartwood Damage06:42 BEST Training Mention/Ad08:21 Common Furniture Beetle09:51 Death Watch Beetle11:30 Other Beetles15:30 Identifying Damage 22:43 What To Do With Active Infestations -- Chemical Treatment Or Not? 28:44 When To Use Chemical Treatment 35:37 Expertible Mention/Ad 38:06 Don't Panic! 40:39 Climate Change Impact 43:02 Wrap Up

In this episode of Talking Conservation, Rich and Stephen unpack one of the most feared problems in old buildings: Dry Rot. We look at what dry rot actually is, why the name is misleading, how it differs from so-called wet rot, and why the presence of a fruiting body does not always mean you need to panic. We also explain why moisture is still the key factor, how rot really spreads, when identification matters, and why some of the old advice around chemicals and cutting back timber simply does not stand up. This episode is not about turning viewers into rot identification experts. It is about helping owners of older buildings understand the basics, avoid common misunderstandings, and make better decisions before rushing into unnecessary treatments or repairs. In this episode we cover: - Why dry rot is such a feared term - Why the name “dry rot” is actually misleading - The difference between dry rot, wet rot, brown rot and white rot - Whether it really matters to identify the exact fungus - How dry rot spreads, and what it can’t do - Why moisture is still the critical factor - When to worry, and when not to - Why chemicals are often overused - Why fixing the moisture source is the real priority - Why monitoring and maintenance matter after repairs If you own, survey, repair, or care for an older building, this episode will help you understand dry rot in a more measured and practical way. Coming up next in the timber series: Next we move on to woodworm and other beetle infestations, looking at when they matter, when they do not, and what you actually need to do about them. Useful links Expertible, book a 1:1 call with an independent expert:https://www.expertible.com Stephen’s conservation training and CPD:https://www.beconservation.com For the BRE downloadable book referred to in this episode visit: https://bregroup.com/store/bookshop/recognising-wood-rot-and-insect-damage-in-buildings.-3rd-edition-br-453-download Talking Conservation is the podcast all about the conservation of old, traditional, and historic buildings and sites. If you found this useful, please like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you don’t miss the rest of the timber series. #TalkingConservation #DryRot #WetRot #TimberDecay #TimberRot #OldBuildings #BuildingConservation #HistoricBuildings #PeriodProperty #HeritageBuildings Chapters00:00 Intro.00:11 Intro to subject, dry and other rots.01:27 Review of previous episode02:08 Why is dry rot a bad name for it?05:01 What are brown and white rots (and soft rot)?11:27 Identifying rots (and infestations) using BRE book 12:20 Does identification of the precise type of rot matter?14:34 What is the most destructive rot in the UK?15:00 Stephen’s Advert15:41 Assessing and identifying rot is about risk analysis16:05 How rots work (the scientific bit!)17:22 Is dry rot a water carrier – myth or not?19:29 Expertible Advert20:12 Stephen’s case study22:02 Rich’s case study24:40 Blow torches - a cure for dry rot?26:18 Should we cut back 1 metre beyond the rot?28:33 The different impacts between persistent and intermittent moisture.29:34 Stephen’s second case study34:02 Should we panic if a rot outbreak is found?36:48 Use of chemicals (or not) to tackle rot.38:51 Summary of approach from BRE book.40:35 Stop the moisture!41:49 Maintenance is THE most important thing.42:58 Future episode on repair methods.43:49 Episode summary and wrap up.44:38 Next episode subject matter – insect infestation.45:03 Concluding comments.45:50 Outro music

Why does timber rot, and what actually causes wood to decay in old buildings?In this second episode of our Talking Conservation timber series, Rich and Stephen dig into the real reasons timber rots, and why it is not simply a case of “old wood going bad”. We explore the role of moisture, fungal growth, ventilation, drying, and environment, and explain why understanding these basics is essential before you can diagnose or fix any timber problem properly. We also look at how moisture meters work, why they can be useful, how they can be misleading in the wrong hands, and what early warning signs to look for if you are worried about rot in your building. If you own, manage, or work on an older building, this episode will help you understand why timber decays, how to spot the conditions that allow rot to thrive, and what practical steps can help prevent it in the first place. In this episode, we cover: - Why timber rots in old buildings - How moisture meters work, and how to interpret them properly - Why timber moisture content matters - The four conditions fungi need to grow - Why rot is about environment, not just age - Ventilation myths and the importance of airflow - Why forced drying can sometimes make things worse - The word “Breathability” (Rich’s pet hate), hygroscopicity, vapour permeability and capillarity - Early warning signs of timber decay - Why understanding moisture paths is key to prevention - This episode sets up the next part of the timber series, where we will look in more detail at wet rot, dry rot, soft rot, misdiagnosis, and chemical treatment. Listen to the rest of the timber series: Episode 1, How Timber Works in Old Buildings Episode 3, Wet Rot vs Dry Rot, What’s the Real Difference? coming soon Talking Conservation is the podcast all about the conservation of old, traditional, and historic buildings and sites. Don’t forget to like the podcast, subscribe to the channel, and hit the notification bell so you don’t miss the rest of the timber series. Useful links Expertible, book a 1:1 call with an independent expert: https://www.expertible.com Stephen’s conservation training and CPD: https://www.beconservation.com https://www.thebesttraining.co.uk Timestamps: 00:00 Music intro. 00:04 Intro to subject, why does wood rot? 02:16 Moisture meters, to use or not to use? 15:21 Moisture danger zones. 17:52 What fungi need to grow. 21:39 Expertible 22:22 The rapid spread of rot, myth or not? 25:19 The spores are omnipresent, should we be worried? 25:37 Is ventilation the ‘silver bullet’? 30:01 The physics of drying: stage 1 and stage 2. 33:56 ‘Breathability’, a term that gives Rich the ‘ick’! 36:43 What to look out for; signs of rotting timber. 44:18 BE Conservation 45:00 Finding concealed rot by probing and micro-drilling. 49:23 Can I analyse timber rot for myself? 50:30 Can dogs smell out rot? 53:10 Review of episode. 55:20 The importance of maintenance and understanding your building. 56:45 Episode wrap up and teaser for next episode. 58:31 Outro music.

What actually is timber, and why is it such an important material in old buildings?In this first episode of our new Talking Conservation timber series, Rich and Stephen go right back to basics to explain how timber works, where it comes from, and why understanding it is essential before diagnosing any problems in historic buildings.From how trees grow, to the difference between heartwood and sapwood, to how timber is converted and used in buildings, this episode lays the foundation for everything that follows in the series.If you own, work on, or are interested in older buildings, understanding timber at this level will help you make better decisions when it comes to decay, repairs, and long-term performance.🎙️ In this episode, we cover:How trees grow and how timber is formedThe structure of timber (heartwood, sapwood and growth rings)What timber is made of and why it behaves differently to other materialsHow timber is converted from tree to usable building materialWhy timber is found in almost every part of an old buildingHow timber has been used historically (oak, softwood and changing practices)An introduction to dendrochronology and dating buildings using timberChapters00:00 Intro music.00:04 Welcome and intro to series.00:37 Is timber ubiquitous in historic buildings?03:52 How long timber can last.05:16 What is timber?06:13 What we will cover in this series.07:11 Understanding timber – what it is and the life cycle of trees.10:56 What is wood?15:40 Heartwood and Sapwood.17:06 Expertible Ad17:49 Dendrochronology.22:23 Hardwood and softwood.25:20 The importance of grain direction.28:42 Converting wood to timber – box heart.30:19 Chamfering edges.33:22 Converting wood to timber – drying.35:50 BE Conservation Ad36:32 Green, air dried and kiln dried Oak.41:28 Other timber species and brief history of use of different timber species.45:45 The use of finishes and paints.47:10 Architectural history and timber usage.47:44 Was dry rot imported?48:18 Introducing timber failure.49:28 Is historic timber better than modern?52:27 How design affects timber performance.53:14 Next episode teaser.54:09 Closing remarks.54:32 Closing music.🔜 Coming up in the timber series:Why timber rots (and how to stop it)Wet rot vs dry rotWoodworm and insect attackTimber repairs and when to replaceStructural movement in timber framesRoofs, floors, windows and common failure pointsInsulation and retrofit mistakes🎧 Talking ConservationTalking Conservation explores historic buildings, materials and defects through practical experience, expert insight and real-world examples.🔔 Subscribe and turn on notifications so you don’t miss the rest of the timber series.💬 Got a question about timber in your building? Leave it in the comments, we read every one.🔗 Useful linksExpertible (book a 1:1 call with an independent expert):https://www.expertible.comStephen’s conservation training and CPD:https://www.beconservation.comhttps://www.thebesttraining.co.uk/#TalkingConservation #Timber #HistoricBuildings #BuildingConservation #OldHouses #HeritageBuildings

What happens if you rely on a builder’s advice, skip consent, or try to “fix it later” on a listed building?In this second myth-busting episode, we unpack the real legal risks of getting listed building works wrong. Joined again by conservation architect Claire Truman, Stephen and Rich explore some of the most dangerous misconceptions homeowners have about listed buildings, planning consent, and enforcement. From criminal liability and prosecution to enforcement notices that follow properties for decades, this episode explains why “asking forgiveness later” is rarely a safe strategy. We cover: - Who is legally responsible for unauthorised listed building works - Why builders, owners, and professionals can all be liable - The difference between prosecution and enforcement - Why listed building breaches don’t “time out” - What happens when you buy a listed building with historic unauthorised works - Whether using “traditional materials” avoids the need for consent - Common traps around insulation, kitchens, bathrooms, and services - How poor applications and missing information cause delays and refusals - This episode is essential listening for homeowners, buyers, professionals, or anyone responsible for work to a listed or historic building. 00:00 Intro 00:35 The quality of applications and some tips for making applications 04:02 Extensions of time and tracking an application 05:40 Withdrawing an application and re-submission – pros and cons 06:36 Experiences of applications – Rich and Claire 09:45 LPOC lobbying for simplifying some aspects of the process and Stephen’s experience 10:47 DBAs (Desk based archaeological assessments), NPPF (National Planning Policy Framework) and HER (Historic Environment Register) 12:26 MYTH “My builder said it was fine to do this, so surely it must be”- prosecution and enforcement 19:27 Working with builders 22:47 MYTH – it is easier to ask for forgiveness than get permission 27:57 Rebuilding properties and cultural significance 31:43 MYTH – if I use traditional materials, I don’t need consent 35:02 Opening up – to do or not to do? 37:46 Dealing with conditions attached to planning 41:09 What does ‘traditional material’ mean? 44:40 Question regarding roof insulation 50:17 Question regarding repainting in a different colour 53:23 Question regarding re-fitting kitchens and bathrooms, wiring, and pipework 55:05 Thanks to Claire and Claire’s contact details 55:52 Final thoughts 58:53 Music outro 🔔 Subscribe for moreWe release practical, expert-led episodes on: - Listed buildings & planning law - Lime, timber, damp & traditional materials - Avoiding costly mistakes in older homes 💬 Have a question about your building or a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave a comment, we read every one. 👉 Link to Planning Portal, as mentioned in the video, https://www.planningportal.co.ukuse the search facility to find specific information. 👉 Learn more about Claire Truman and her conservation architecture practice: https://heritagerevival.uk/ 👉 Our guest conservation architect expert, Claire, is available for impartial 1-1 video advice on Expertible, just search in the Regulatory Section here: https://expertible.com 👉 Professionals involved in working on or with historic, traditional, or listed buildings may want 1-1 mentoring and/or training with Stephen. Visit his website at https://www.beconservation.com

What can you actually do to a listed building?In this episode of Talking Conservation, we cut through the confusion, myths, and half-truths that surround listed buildings and planning consent. Joined by conservation architect Claire Truman, we explore what homeowners are often told they can’t do, versus what the legislation and real-world practice actually allow. Drawing on professional experience and real case studies, this conversation is about empowerment, understanding the system, and knowing where to get the right help. We discuss:• Common myths about listed buildings and consent• What changes usually do and don’t need permission• How planning and conservation officers think about alterations• When to seek professional advice and how to avoid costly mistakes• Where flexibility exists within the rules This episode is ideal for owners of listed or historic buildings, prospective buyers, and professionals working with older properties. About our guestClaire Truman is a conservation architect and an independent expert available for impartial advice via Expertible. 🔔 Subscribe and hit the notification bell so you don’t miss future episodes, including upcoming myth-busting and themed mini-series.💬 Have a question about your building or a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave a comment, we read every one.👉 Learn more about Claire Truman and her conservation architecture practice: https://heritagerevival.uk/👉 Our guest conservation architect expert, Claire, is available for impartial 1-1 video advice on Expertible, just search in the Regulatory Section here: https://expertible.com👉 Professionals involved in working on or with historic, traditional, or listed buildings may want 1-1 mentoring and/or training with Stephen. Visit his website at https://www.beconservation.com

It’s been one year of Talking Conservation — and in this special anniversary episode, Rich and Stephen step back to reflect on the journey so far. From favourite episodes to lessons learned behind the mic, they also reveal what’s coming next. In this episode:• Key takeaways from 12 months of podcasting• Exciting plans for 2025 — including hands-on training and a conservation day• Updates on Stephen’s new CPD training platform for professionals• How Rich’s platform, Expertible, is helping homeowners access independent conservation advice• How you can shape future episodes with your feedback 🎯 Got a question or an idea for future episodes? Reach out via our websites below. Book a 1-to-1 consultation: https://www.expertible.comExplore Stephen’s CPD training: https://www.beconservation.comRegister interest for our Conservation Day:https://bit.ly/conservation-day-survey 🔔 Follow to get notified about new episodes as we launch a brand new series soon – including one focused on timber and internal finishes.

In this final episode of our Lime Series, we’re joined once again by master plasterer Sean Wheatley to explore the finer details of working with lime plaster on ceilings, restoring decorative cornices, and repairing historic mouldings in older UK homes.We cover:How to approach lime plaster ceiling repairs safely and effectivelyWhy cornices and ceiling roses matter for character and breathabilityCommon causes of ceiling failure in older buildingsRepairing and replacing traditional decorative plasterworkReal-world tips from decades of experience working on Victorian and Edwardian homesHow to blend new and original plaster seamlesslyWhether you're dealing with sagging ceilings, cracked cornices, or missing mouldings, this episode will help you understand what to do — and what to avoid — when working with lime plaster in period properties.🔔 Subscribe to our channel for expert advice on maintaining and restoring older homes📣 This wraps up our series on lime — next, we’re diving into a whole new theme. Hit the bell to be notified when the next series goes live!🔗 Links👉 Expertible – 1:1 video consultations with independent heritage professionals👉 Stephen Boniface Associates – Chartered building surveyor and conservation specialist📌 Who is this for?Homeowners of older UK properties, tradespeople working with traditional buildings, and anyone interested in practical conservation.🎬 Don’t miss our full lime mortar series – Watch the full playlist hereContents00:00 Introduction00:40 A brief history of decorative plasterwork03:08 A brief history of fibrous plasterwork05:52 Forms of plaster and mixes 07:49 Changes in decorative plaster through the 17th and 18th centuries11:14 Whether to repair or replace14:00 Cleaning plaster details and taking a squeeze17:16 Applying soft distemper17:48 Taking a squeeze19:58 Installing new/replacement cornices and details25:00 The most challenging, rewarding, impressive jobs30:19 Running moulds and what lies behind32:33 Decorative plaster34:10 Aggregates, hair and additives48:31 Closing49:14 Outro

In this episode of Talking Conservation, we’re joined by expert heritage plasterer Sean Wheatley, who brings decades of hands-on experience in the restoration of traditional ceilings and plasterwork in older homes. From sagging lath and plaster to hairline cracks and inappropriate repairs, Sean explains what to look out for, how to fix it — andwhen to call in a pro. 🧱 We discuss: ●      What materials were historicallyused for ceilings (and why it matters) ●      How to tell if a ceiling needsrepair or replacement ●      Spotting signs of serious failurevs. cosmetic issues ●      Why modern materials often makethings worse ●      DIY options vs. when to leave itto specialists ●      The pros and cons of differentlime plasters for interiors ●      Myths around steamers, fillers,and patching old ceilings ●      What goes wrong when corners arecut ●      What not to do with cracked or sagging ceilings 🛠️ Whether you're dealing with acrumbling Victorian ceiling or just curious about traditional internalfinishes, this is packed with insight. 🔗 Mentioned in this episode:👉 Expertible– 1:1 video consultations with independent heritage professionals👉 Stephen Boniface Associates – Chartered building surveyorand conservation specialist 📌 Who is this for?Homeowners of older UK properties, tradespeople working with traditionalbuildings, and anyone interested in practical conservation. 🎬 Don’t miss our full lime mortar series – Watch the full playlist here Contents 00:00             Introduction 00:54             Sean’s background 04:07             Worshipful Company of Plaisterers 05:45             Apprentices 07:13             Working at distance from home 08:30             Ceiling constructions and laths 11:53             Choosing riven or sawn laths 13:35             Application and fixing of laths 18:21             Gaps between laths 19:49             Reed as a backing 23:03             Board backings 24:41             Earth plasters 27:07             Identifying ceiling constructions 28:19             Dealing with cracks and discussionabout hair 33:17             Patching ceilings 34:13             Checking the soundness of a ceiling 37:10             Repairing lath and plaster 41:41             Causes of ceiling failures 46:28             Lime plaster mixes 50:19             Hot lime mortar mixes 51:26             Hydrated (bagged) lime 53:04             Using plasterboard 55:29             Overboarding a ceiling 58:27             Concluding comments 59:18             Outro

In this follow-up episode of Talking Conservation, we’re back with Steve Hogarth – SPAB Fellow, heritage mason, and rope access conservator with Highlife Rope Access – to dive deeper into how conservation really happens at height.From blocked gutters and cracked coping stones to wildlife nests and fragile leadwork, Steve shares what really goes on when you're dangling from ropes on cathedrals, castles, and churches – and why rope access can offer major advantages over traditional scaffolding.We explore:• What rope access actually is and when it’s used• Real-world examples of unexpected issues found at height• Why hands-on surveys can reveal more than drones or binoculars• The most common (and preventable) problems that damage old buildings• How rope access enables small, cost-effective repairs that prevent bigger failures• What makes rope access viable (or not) for domestic buildings• Why it’s an essential part of modern conservation practiceWhether you’re a homeowner, architect, or heritage professional, this episode offers unique insight into how careful, targeted intervention at height can extend the life of historic buildings.👉 https://www.highliferopeaccess.com/👉https://www.instagram.com/highlife_rope_access/👉https://www.facebook.com/HIGHLIFEROPEACCESS/👉 Subscribe to our channel for future episodes on building conservation, heritage homes, and expert advice.👉 Book a consultation with us for 1-1 advice on managing your historic home on www.expertible.com👉 Professionals involved in working on or with historic, traditional, or listed buildings may want 1-2-1 mentoring and/or training with Stephen. Visit his website at www.beconservation.com#talkingconservation #traditionalbuildings #buildingconservation #historicbuildingrestoration #traditionalconstructionmaterials #limemortar #preservingarchitecturalheritage #listedbuildings #heritageprotection #historichomes #traditionalhomes #restorationtips #homerestoration #architecturalheritage #historicmaterials #highliferopeaccess

What’s the biggest threat to your historic building? Water. In this special episode of Talking Conservation, we’re joined by Steve Hogarth — SPAB Fellow, heritage mason, and rope access conservator with Highlife Rope Access — to explore how the smallest details up high can make the biggest difference to your building’s long-term health. We dig into: - Why effective drip detailing is critical to keeping water off your building - What causes damage when high-level details are missing or poorly repaired - Sky-facing joints and how they differ from vertical surfaces - How to assess and choose the right lime mortar mix for exposed locations - The overlooked genius of traditional detailing (like string courses, throatings & hood moulds) - When to use NHL, hot lime, or natural cements- Why small targeted maintenance can prevent costly full-scale repairs - Real-world insight from Steve’s rope access conservation work on churches and historic buildings This is an essential listen for homeowners, tradespeople, or professionals working with older or listed buildings. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:57 Drips and throatings 06:44 Impact of the Grand Tour 07:35 Umbrellas for buildings! 09:13 Clogged details and past rebuilding 10:28 Water pathways and identifying problems 12:59 Stephen's anecdote about finding a leak 15:01 Stopping water getting in 16:54 Junctions between materials 17:38 Choice of material for repair 19:56 Mortar mixes for exposed areas 24:38 Dealing with coastal locations 27:21 Ongoing maintenance 29:04 Limewashing or covering and changing exposed elevations 31:08 Shedding and sky-facing surfaces 35:02 Concluding comments 35:54 Outro 👉 High Life Rope Access: https://www.highliferopeaccess.com/ 👉 Need expert 1:1 advice for your traditional or historic home?Book a video consultation with an independent specialist at www.expertible.com 🎓 Professionals wanting mentoring or training with Stephen Boniface? Visit www.beconservation.com 🔔 Subscribe for more episodes on lime, building conservation, materials, and expert insights from tradespeople working at the sharp end.

Before choosing your lime mortar or plaster, you need to understand your substrate. In this bonus episode of Talking Conservation, Stephen and Rich explore the importance of knowing what's behind or beneath your mortar; from soft handmade bricks and old stone to chalk walls and cob. Whether you're repointing, plastering, or rendering, understanding the substrate is critical to choosing the right mix and achieving long-lasting results. We cover: - What a “substrate” actually means in traditional buildings - Common types found in historic homes (brick, stone, cob, timber) - How substrate affects your lime choice and application - Assessing problems and indicators of hidden issues - Mistakes to avoid when applying lime to inappropriate surfaces - Decision making, such as when to strip inappropriate materials - Key questions to ask before starting any conservation work When to call in the professionals - Keeping a record ▶️ Whether you're a homeowner or a professional working with heritage buildings, this video helps you avoid common issues and build with confidence. 👉 New to the Lime Series? Start here: Ep.1: The Lime Cycle Explained – How lime is made and reabsorbs CO₂ Ep.2: Lime Mortar Types Explained – Key differences between air lime, NHL, pozzolans & more Ep.3 Part.1: Which Lime to Use? – Mortars for pointing & bedding in older buildings Ep.3 Part 2: Which Lime to Use? - Plasters and Renders Ep.3 Part.3: High Exposure Areas & Floors – Using lime in chimneys, ridges, parapets, and floors 🔔 Subscribe for upcoming episodes on more specialist areas 📞 For 1-to-1 advice or a consultation, visit: www.expertible.com 💼 Professionals: Training & mentoring available at www.beconservation.com #TalkingConservation #SubstratesExplained #LimeMortar #BuildingConservation #OldHouseDIY #HistoricHomes #TraditionalMaterials #LimePlaster #problemsolving #decisionmaking #professional help #heritageskills #limerender #lathandplaster #historictimberframes Chapters00:00:00 – 00:00:50 Introduction00:00:50 - 00:02:23 What is a substrate?00:02:23 - 00:03:33 Flint00:03:33 - 00:05:22 Stone00:05:22 - 00:05:31 Cob and earth00:05:31 - 00:06:12 Wattle and Daub, lath and plaster00:06:12 - 00:06:56 Multiple substrates00:06:56 - 00:08:24 Behaviour of substrates (the science bit!)00:08:24 - 00:09:43 Timber00:09:43 - 00:10:57 Absorbency and moisture performance00:10:57 - 00:14:25 Cement render on timber frame (case study)00:14:25 - 00:16:34 Assessing problems and key indicators00:16:34 – 00:19:48 Delamination and hammer testing00:19:48 – 00:23:02 Decision making00:23:02 – 00:24:43 Should I remove cement render/pointing?00:24:43 – 00:26:36 Have I got layers of material?00:26:36 – 00:27:46 A judgement call and bringing in professionals00:27:46 – 00:28:52 Substrate preparation00:28:52 - 00:30:43 Wetting down surfaces 00:30:43 – 00:32:05 Plaster coats00:32:05 – 00:34:56 Use of hair in mixes00:34:56 – 00:39:25 Controlling the ‘set’00:39:25 – 00:40:14 Lath and plaster00:40:14 – 00:41:33 Dealing with modern interventions00:41:33 – 00:46:37 Removing modern material00:46:37 – 00:49:30 Surface finishes00:49:30 – 00:55:58 Changing aesthetics and appearance00:55:58 – 00:56:56 Key message – understand the building00:56:56 – 00:58:27 The importance of keeping a record00:58:27 – 00:59:11 Future episodes00:59:11 – 00:59:48 Expertible00:59:48 – 01:00:05 Close01:00:05 – 01:00:28 Outro

Not sure which lime to use for a chimney, solid floor, or coping stone? In this episode of Talking Conservation, we explain how to choose and apply the right lime mix for floor construction and high-exposure areas in older homes. In this episode, Rich and Stephen continue their deep dive into lime mortars, exploring how to apply them in real-world contexts where performance under pressure really matters. We cover the use of limecrete floors and lime ash floors, debunking common myths about moisture performance and clarifying where lime-based solid floors offer real benefits (and where they don’t). We also examine high-exposure areas such as chimneys, ridge tiles, parapets, and copings — where material choice is critical. Should you use NHL 3.5? NHL 5? Is cement ever appropriate? We walk through the options and trade-offs. Whether you're repairing flaunchings or considering a breathable solid floor alternative, this episode gives you practical advice grounded in conservation principles. 👉 Missed the earlier episodes? Start here:• Ep.1: The Lime Cycle Explained – Where lime comes from, how it’s made, and how it changes chemically from limestone to lime and back again.• Ep.2: Lime Mortar Types Explained – Air lime, NHL, hot lime, and pozzolans demystified — we explain their properties and behaviour.• Ep.3: Which Lime to Use? Part 1 – Mortars for Building & Pointing Older Buildings – Where and how to use the different lime types for masonry and repointing. • Ep.4: Which Lime to Use? Part 2 – Plasters & Renders - Which types of plasters to use internally and pros and cons of the various options for external renders. 👉 Subscribe to our channel for future episodes on conservation, traditional buildings, and expert insight.👉 Need personalised advice? Book a consultation at www.expertible.com👉 Professionals can also book mentoring or training via Stephen’s site: www.beconservation.com #BuildingConservation #TraditionalMaterials #LimeMortar #HistoricBuildings #Retrofitting #HeritageSkills #TalkingConservation #Architects #Surveyors #Builders #ConservationProfessionals

Lime Plaster & Render Uses Explained — How to choose the right mix for old buildingsIn this episode of Talking Conservation, Stephen and Rich continue their deep dive into lime applications; this time focusing on internal plasters and external renders for traditional and historic buildings.We discuss the different types of lime used in plaster and render work; including air lime, NHL 2, NHL 3.5, hot lime, and pozzolanic mixes and how to choose the right one based on the substrate, exposure, and performance needs.We cover:Why flexibility and vapour movement matter in internal plaster systemsWhen to avoid overly hard or dense mixes on older wallsHow to approach external render repairs or replacementsWhat to do when cement-based render is already presentModern vs. traditional techniques — and where specialist mixes like insulating plasters might helpThis practical discussion is rooted in conservation knowledge, with decades of experience in what works, and what doesn’t, when applying lime-based systems in heritage settings.Whether you're working on your own older property or advising clients as a professional, this episode will help you make informed choices on plaster and render mixes.👉 Missed Part 1? Watch it here: “Which Lime to Use? Part 1 – Mortars for Building & Pointing Older Buildings”👉 New to the series? Start here:• Ep.1: The Lime Cycle Explained — where lime comes from, how it's made, and how it behaves chemically in use• Ep.2: Lime Mortar Types Explained — covering air lime, hydraulic lime, hot lime and hybrid mixes👉 Subscribe for more on building conservation, restoration, and heritage homes👉 Homeowner? Book a 1-1 consultation at www.expertible.com👉 Professional? Learn more about mentoring or training with Stephen at www.beconservation.com

Lime Mortar Uses Explained — How to apply the correct mix for your historic homeIn this episode of Talking Conservation, Stephen and Rich explain how different types of lime mortar are applied to traditional buildings; from soft brick pointing to bedding stone walls. We cover the pros and cons of air lime, NHL 2, NHL 3.5, and hot lime mixes and how they compare to cement-based mortars often found in repairs.When considering pointing; we talk about the adage that "the pointing should always be softer than the surrounding masonry" and explain this. We discuss when to consider repointing and briefly look at what repointing involves. In our discussion we briefly touch on tuck pointing.During the discussion we consider how brick making has changed over the centuries and how mortar/pointing has also changed.Whether you’re a homeowner working on an older property or a trade professional unsure which lime mix is right for the job, this episode gives you practical guidance rooted in conservation experience.The next episode looks at the use of lime for internal plasters and external renders.👉 New to the series? Watch these first:• Ep.1: The Lime Cycle Explained — where lime comes from, how it's processed, and how it transforms chemically from limestone to lime and back again.• Ep.2: Lime Mortar Types Explained — the different types of lime (air lime, NHL, hot lime, pozzolanic mixes), their characteristics, and how they behave in buildings.👉 Subscribe to our channel for future episodes on building conservation, heritage homes, and expert advice.👉 Book a consultation with us for 1-1 advice on managing your historic home on www.expertible.com👉 Professionals involved in working on or with historic, traditional, or listed buildings may want 1-2-1 mentoring and/or training with Stephen. Visit his website at www.beconservation.com