Historical building restoration is both important and necessary. Universities, libraries and other historic buildings are not just important to our history but can also offer a lot to our economy. Thousands of people visit these buildings each year and it’s important to keep them maintained and in good condition to carry on this attraction.

There are many reasons that a historic building may need restoration works, whether this is due to natural stress of inclement weather or simply due to the age of the building. Some historical buildings have been purposely damaged and defaced and it’s vital that we repair these to ensure their legacy continues.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common reasons for the damage to these historic buildings.

Weather

Weather is one of the main causes of damage to historical buildings. Over time, buildings are subject to a multitude of different weather conditions including storms, floods, ice and snow. The weather takes a toll on the materials used to create these buildings and although the weather is entirely natural and cannot be helped, by maintaining the buildings there is an increased chance that we can enjoy these wonders for many more years to come.

Age

The age of a building can also be a reason for restoration. Buildings will slowly deteriorate over time, stones will fall, concrete will crack, and the artistry of the building will slowly fade. It’s a constant reminder of the effects of time and if not prevented and managed, it can leave these beautiful buildings uninhabitable and unsafe.

Fire

Although not at common, fire damage in historic buildings can cause more problems than first meets the eye. A recent example of fire damage would be our Bawdsey Transmitter Block project which had been used, in the past, for firefighters to learn their trade and extinguish internal fires in the building. Structural damage is the main issue, as fire and smoke can cause unseen damage, particularly in older buildings that may have been constructed using more traditional flammable materials.

However, modern restoration techniques can work wonders and can make the building look as beautiful as it was when it was first ever built.

Neglect

Although most historical buildings are looked after with the right care, there are some that have slipped through the cracks and have been long forgotten. Most of these buildings come under the jurisdiction of councils and other local authorities that ensure historical buildings are maintained in the manner they deserve.  For the ones that have been forgotten about, however, left to fall into disarray, restoration could be the only option to breathe life back into the building.

Vandalism

Some historical buildings have fallen to the hand of vandals; defacing the buildings with graffiti they show no care towards history or the importance of maintaining these buildings. Although graffiti can be easily removed from new buildings there needs to be great care taken when it comes to restoring historical buildings to their former glory. This is why Concrete Renovations can offer their DOFF cleaning service that gently cleans a surface so as to not damage anything under the dirt and grime.

There is lots of value in historical buildings but many buildings that do need work may be restricted by their listed building status, that is why Concrete Renovations are the best people to call. Concrete Renovations have over 30 years' experience working with historical buildings and structures and can advise on next steps if you are stuck with a project. Call our team who will be more than willing to help.

For more information please visit contact us on 01733 560362. Alternatively, you can email us at sales@concreterenovations.co.uk.