Killas Heritage

Modern cement is hard and impervious. When applied to traditional solid-wall properties built before 1919, it traps moisture inside the wall. Because the moisture cannot escape through the cement, it forces its way inside the house, causing severe internal damp, plaster failure, and rotting timbers. We use traditional lime mortar, which is highly breathable and allows the building to naturally manage moisture.

Older buildings degrade exponentially once water gets in. A minor issue, like a blocked valley gutter or a few slipped slates, can quickly lead to saturated stonework and structural timber rot. Routine, sympathetic maintenance catches these issues early. Fixing a small lead flashing is a fraction of the cost of replacing a rotted structural roof purlin.

We recommend a visual inspection at least once a year, ideally after the harsh winter gales. For traditional Cornish scantle roofs—which rely on lime mortar "porridge" and wooden pegs rather than modern nails—catching slipped slates early is vital to prevent water pooling and degrading the lime holding the surrounding slates.

Yes. Any repairs or maintenance carried out on a Listed Building must be done sympathetically and usually with like-for-like traditional materials to comply with heritage regulations. We specialize in using the correct materials and techniques required by local conservation officers to protect the historic fabric of the building.