LM Conservation

Preservation I Conservation I Joinery

Our hope is to further the preservation of architectural joinery and in so doing help to conserve the historic built environment.

We believe in the historic value of architectural joinery as part of the historic built environment, the aesthetic value of good unifying design and the environmental value of preservation and conservation. Our efforts in this endeavour include; preserving surviving woodwork, conserving resources, preventing loss, reducing waste and advocating the use of traditional and sustainable materials and practices.

How and Why

We do what we do

Our practice focuses on traditional techniques and materials. This is because we believe them to be of better quality, more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

Materials we use and recommend

  • Timber is a well know and widely used sustainable material. In our work we build upon its naturally sustainable qualities by advocating repair over replacement. Repairs require less resources and create less waste as well as being less invasive to the fabric of the building.

    It is critical to the quality and longevity of any repair to properly match timber in terms of both strength and movement. Timber is a living organic substance and movement naturally occurs when moisture content is unbalanced. Crucial to our work, we ensure that timber and existing woodwork are dried as necessary whenever repairs and/or preservation works are required.

    All of our timber is sourced responsibly and where possible we source our timber locally. We have good working relationships with local independent and leading British sawmills.

  • Linseed oil putty is a glazing putty traditionally used for the bedding and external face glazing of windows and glazed doors.

    Traditionally used since the 1700s, linseed oil putty is regarded as a purely natural product. It consists of linseed oil and more than three quarters whiting chalk (calcium carbonate) making it kneadable limestone.

    Linseed oil putty simply requires sunlight to ‘cure’ or ‘harden’, taking 2-4 weeks to dry, after which it can be easily painted over and sealed.

    As part of a window refurbishment we would ensure all original putty, as well as any modern alternatives (decorators caulk or silicone), is removed and the woodwork prepared to receive the new or re-claimed glass, which we would re-bed and face using fresh linseed oil putty.

    While for conservation and heritage work the use of glazing putty is a requirement, as part of the ‘like for like’ policy associated with such buildings, we also advocate the use of putty as a beautiful and natural material and as an alternative to silicone.

    Silicone is a 100% chemical material, know to be toxic and environmentally harmful. It is also a fertile breading ground for a variety of bacterias resulting in a mouldy and ugly appearance after a few years, depending on conditions.

  • Burnt-Sand Mastic is a traditional joining compound that we recommend and use to seal the gap between the timber frame of a window or door and the buildings masonry or rendered masonry.

    A traditional product, Burnt-Sand Mastic has been in use for at least 200 years. A natural product comprised of burnt sand and oil-driers, it hardens slowly while remaining sufficiently flexible. Adhering tenaciously to most surfaces it creates a seal that compliments the timber and stone components without reducing the breathability of either substrata.

    Recommended/required in conservation and heritage work, we again advocate the use of Burnt-Sand Mastic as a beautiful and natural alternative to silicone.

  • While we do not generally offer a painted finish to our joinery work, we do prime all repairs as well as any other areas of bare wood. Priming protects the timber from the elements allowing time for the client to secure a painter or decorator.

    We recommend the use of linseed oil paints. In comparison to most chemical based paint, which sit on the surface, oil based paints penetrate the wood offering better protection and coverage. Linseed oil based paints, such as Browns (which we use), are natural products and do not pollute the environment.

Original features we preserve

  • Historic glass contains beautiful imperfections - traces of the creative process - that catch the light and distort reflections. This quality adds considerably to the character and charm of historic buildings.

    We strive to preserve as much of the original historic glass as possible. Naturally, due to its incredibly thin and delicate nature breakages are, unfortunately, unavoidable (obviously, when in our hands, we try to avoid this!). Where original glass is missing or broken we source heritage quality glass as needed (from Ashdown Glaziers) and liaise with glass artists to provide specific designs for individual projects.

  • Where possible we endeavour to reclaim and re-use any original ironmongery. New matching or alternative ironmongery can be outsourced from reputable suppliers.

  • Due to our commitment to traditional designs, construction methods and materials - in repair of replication - we use traditional sash weights which work with the use of cords and pulleys.

    Depending on the age of the property, traditional sash weights were either made of solid lead or cast iron. In most cases the original weights remain inside the box sash frames and we are able to reclaim and re-use them. If they are missing or are of incorrect size or weight, we source reclaimed replacements.

Repair or Replicate: We Craft.

Traditional, Quality, Sustainable.