Exterior Repairs in a Conservation Area

The work requested

Water damage on the interior walls of the office was starting to appear. Our investigation identified that the external windowsills had failed due to rot and would need to be replaced. The client asked us to check all of the external woodwork and address any issues identified.

We completed our inspection of all of the exterior woodwork and identified that action would be required for the main doors, and two large timber windows. With this branch being situated in a conservation area of Great Yarmouth, any changes to the exterior of the building must have planning approval. It was important to effect repairs swiftly to prevent any further water damage to the inside of the building.

How we Approached the work

Our approach to the work was focussed on safeguarding the appearance of the doors and windows. We did this by completing repairs and maintenance that preserve the existing character of the building, removing the need for any permissions to be granted.

With most of the window structure being sound, we look to retain as much as possible and so direct our attention to the areas where the wood had failed. Those areas were all measured to enable their profiles to be drawn, and then they were carefully cut away, ensuring that all of the compromised wood had been removed.

The profile drawings and some of the removed areas were then used to have bespoke replacement hardwood sills, profiles and trims machined. The team were then able to fit those replacement parts and set about preparing the areas by sealing and priming them. Once completed, the topcoat is added to complete the decoration and weatherproofing.

The office needed to remain open during the completion of the works, so to ensure disruption was kept to a minimum two new hardwood doors were made to be fitted as the main client entrance. New door furniture was sourced to match the existing brass furniture and hinges. When it came time to fit the new doors, we placed a barrier around the area for the safety of the staff and the public. Once the new doors were fitted, a quick polish of the brass was a great final touch.

The Challenges of this project

The approach and execution of this project was influenced by the conservation rules. It would have been easier to replace the whole window unit, although this may have required planning approval placing the building at risk from an extended period of water damage. At SAB Group we have built a network of highly skilled specialists to enable us to face any challenge. In this case the need for bespoke size and shape replacement woodwork to make good a window without changing the exterior character of the building.

Key features of this project:

• Keeping down costs for the client by affecting repairs to the window damage rather than replacing the whole unit.
• Minimal disruption to the running of the office for staff and their customers – keeping the time needed to fit and prepare the doors down to a minimum.