Repairs to Grade I listed former almshouses in Preston, Shropshire.
WCD were contracted to investigate large areas of deteriorating paintwork and plasterwork to the external areas of a Grade I listed quadrangle, with a view to long term repair and repainting in these areas.
Analysis of paint layers and localised removal of plaster showed historic linseed-based oil paints to be reacting with the intact original lime plaster through a process known as saponification, causing these paints to lose adhesion and peel off the wall, removing all subsequent paint layers with them. Along with this, there were some small areas of wall where lime plaster had been replaced with modern gypsum browning plaster, which had partly dissolved in contact with the damp external walls. Importantly, however, it was found that in the majority of areas, only removal of paint was necessary, rather than the expensive and disruptive work of removing all paint and plaster back to brickwork.
A plan for repair has been prepared with contractors currently being approached to carry out the work.
2025
