Welcome to Talking Conservation, where we talk about all things related to our built heritage. Whether you own an historic building, are responsible for a heritage site, or are a professional consultant, contractor, or simply interested - this is the place to find out more.
We discuss various matters and conduct interviews with a wide range of people involved with our heritage in some way. This includes architects, surveyors, archaeologists, conservation officers, contractors, conservators, historians ... the list goes on.
We are interested in and talk about any aspect of heritage; not only listed buildings, but all older and traditionally constructed buildings and anything that could be considered a heritage site.
Stephen's Heritage Conservation Community information can be found here: https://beconservation.com/heritage-conservation-community
Rich's platform putting owners in touch with consultants can be found here: https://expertible.com/
Welcome to Talking Conservation, where we talk about all things related to our built heritage. Whether you own an historic building, are responsible for a heritage site, or are a professional consultant, contractor, or simply interested - this is the place to find out more.
We discuss various matters and conduct interviews with a wide range of people involved with our heritage in some way. This includes architects, surveyors, archaeologists, conservation officers, contractors, conservators, historians ... the list goes on.
We are interested in and talk about any aspect of heritage; not only listed buildings, but all older and traditionally constructed buildings and anything that could be considered a heritage site.
Stephen's Heritage Conservation Community information can be found here: https://beconservation.com/heritage-conservation-community
Rich's platform putting owners in touch with consultants can be found here: https://expertible.com/
What’s the biggest threat to your historic building? Water.
In this special episode of Talking Conservation, we’re joined by Steve Hogarth — SPAB Fellow, heritage mason, and rope access conservator with Highlife Rope Access — to explore how the smallest details up high can make the biggest difference to your building’s long-term health.
We dig into:
- Why effective drip detailing is critical to keeping water off your building
- What causes damage when high-level details are missing or poorly repaired
- Sky-facing joints and how they differ from vertical surfaces
- How to assess and choose the right lime mortar mix for exposed locations
- The overlooked genius of traditional detailing (like string courses, throatings & hood moulds)
- When to use NHL, hot lime, or natural cements- Why small targeted maintenance can prevent costly full-scale repairs
- Real-world insight from Steve’s rope access conservation work on churches and historic buildings
This is an essential listen for homeowners, tradespeople, or professionals working with older or listed buildings.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
01:57 Drips and throatings
06:44 Impact of the Grand Tour
07:35 Umbrellas for buildings!
09:13 Clogged details and past rebuilding
10:28 Water pathways and identifying problems
12:59 Stephen's anecdote about finding a leak
15:01 Stopping water getting in
16:54 Junctions between materials
17:38 Choice of material for repair
19:56 Mortar mixes for exposed areas
24:38 Dealing with coastal locations
27:21 Ongoing maintenance
29:04 Limewashing or covering and changing exposed elevations
31:08 Shedding and sky-facing surfaces
35:02 Concluding comments
35:54 Outro
👉 High Life Rope Access: https://www.highliferopeaccess.com/
👉 Need expert 1:1 advice for your traditional or historic home?Book a video consultation with an independent specialist at www.expertible.com
🎓 Professionals wanting mentoring or training with Stephen Boniface? Visit www.beconservation.com
🔔 Subscribe for more episodes on lime, building conservation, materials, and expert insights from tradespeople working at the sharp end.