Oakdene Restoration

Traditional Methods

At Oakdene Restoration we are proud to use our experience and expertise to combine the latest sustainable building methods with traditional techniques and styles of practice.

Traditional Carpentry

Wood is a naturally beautiful material, adding character and warmth to any building. Wood is durable. A good quality wood product should, with care and maintenance, last a lifetime.

Woodworking techniques have been used for thousands of years. Many historic structures still have their original wooden windows, floors and doors and include wooden stairways and architectural joinery which has survived for hundreds of years.

Historic buildings incorporating timber can be restored, renovated and repaired. At Oakdene Restoration we use our proficiency and expertise, working with sensitivity, understanding what is needed. Whether the work required is structural or non-structural, whether we are asked to work with an oak frame or a riven lath we use our experience and proficiency to accomplish the finest results. We work with any of the following:

Sole Plate Repairs
Structural Repairs
Timber Cladding
Timber Lathes

We are proud to use traditional methods whilst employing the latest tools and appliances to complete any given task. We understand the complexities that listed and period buildings offer and maintain conventional methods for timber joints and timber-to-timber repairs, assessing the best match for the work required. For instance, where we have to make a structural repair we would always use joints to match the timber frame compression point.

Lime Mortar

Oakdene Restoration specialise in working with lime mortars and plasters.

We are able to undertake all aspects of lime plastering and mortar work for your period property, using internal and external lime plasters and renders; lime pointing; torching and pargetting.

Lime is an important component for traditional solid wall buildings, it is used to allow the moisture to escape and naturally regulate the fabric of the building.

A high percentage of our work is spent replacing non-breathable materials, such as cement and poor plasters, with the correct lime mix.

We have a wealth of experience and are one of the few East Anglia companies that are proficient in making and using hot lime mixes. Mixing high quality, highly breathable lime mortars and plasters.

We are also accomplished in making bespoke blends to match an existing lime mix and are confident in the application of the correct hot lime mixes for the situation. This method is also included for any Grade 1 and 2* work.

Brickwork and Flint

The walls of a building perform several important objectives. Principally, they form the framework of the building, creating its boundaries and protecting it from the elements.

There can be several reasons why both the structural integrity and the visual appearance of your walls can be negatively affected, including the following:

Frost damage and spalling
Staining
Damp
Incorrect maintenance

Before considering the most appropriate method of repairing brickwork, we diagnose the cause of the damage. We will then use the relevant corrective procedure to attain restoration.

Incorrect maintenance is often the key to problems but our experience and understanding provide the strategy needed to implement the changes required. We are able to offer replacement bricks in accordance with the age of the building and use the relevant mortar to regulate and bind. We are able to work with both internal and external structures including fireplaces.

Oakdene Restoration has a wealth of experience in the restoration of traditional brickwork. We work with all types of restoration including brick replacement, crack repairs, pointing to full restoration.

Most period homes were built with a single solid wall unlike many modern dwellings which use a cavity style for a building framework. So, we recognise just how important it is to use the correct bricks and a lime mortar for restoration. The use of lime mortar allows for the regulation of moisture, protecting original bricks and materials.

We match mortars exactly, using bespoke lime mixes, so any cracks or blown bricks are removed and sympathetically replaced allowing the brickwork to be restored to its authentic beauty, protecting and preserving original brickwork.

We work too with repairing flint walls, knapping flints as we progress to create the finest match for the wall.

Fireplaces

Restoring period fireplaces requires the same amount of detailed commitment and work as brick wall restoration. Often, we find that fireplaces we are asked to repair have already been updated incorrectly. Modern materials such as cements and hard bricks have been used and non breathable plasters have been added in an attempt to repair a period fireplace. Using modern methods can cause many problems including the incorrect regulation of damp and moisture leading to damp patches and blown bricks. Also, the fireplace becomes disfigured and displays a look that isn’t in keeping with the rest of the character of the property.

Oakdene Restoration recognise that matching original mortars and bricks is important and we use bespoke lime blends and reclaimed or handmade bricks offering complete restorations to fireplaces and hearths.

In more modern dwellings house owners often uncover old fireplaces behind modern walls and existing modern fireplaces. We use our expert experience and knowledge in creating the original look of the uncovered fireplace, transforming it and giving the room that wow factor.

Cast Iron Guttering and Lead Work

Oakdene Restoration work with traditional cast iron and lead guttering systems.

Keeping gutters and downpipes free from debris, together with maintaining good repair, is an essential part of the overall preservation of your historic home.

We offer a complete service and can make repairs or help you maintain the guttering system.