With all buildings, good maintenance and care is essential to help control dampness. Prevention is better than cure. Good preventative maintenance, involving uncomplicated tasks such as clearing gutters and rainwater pipes, will restrain, or even obviate, the need for repairs in the first place, prevent the loss of original fabric and also be cost effective.
Moisture sensors and alarm systems can be installed to warn of excessive moisture conditions in building envelopes, especially in hidden or difficult-to-access areas.
Where work to old buildings is being considered, the SPAB may be able to suggest suitable specialists.
Burkinshaw, Rand Parrett, M (2004) Diagnosing Damp, Coventry: RICS Business Services Burkinshaw, R (2009) Remedying Damp, Coventry: RICS Business Services Ltd
Coleman, G R Dampness and Condensation in Buildings: Course Notes, unpublished
English Heritage (2013) Damp Towers Conference. Available at: http://content.historicengland.org.uk/ content/docs/research/damp-towers-conf2013-programme-transcripts.pdf
Hughes, P (forthcoming) The Need for Old Buildings to ‘Breathe’, SPAB Technical Advice Note lnsall, D W (1972) The Care of Old Buildings Today: A Practical Guide, London: Architectural Press Kent, D (2018) French Drains. Available at:
https://www.spab.org.uk/advice/french-drains
Kent, D (2018) Infill Panels. Available at: https://www.spab.org.uk/advice/infill-panels
Massari, G and Massari, I (1993) Damp Buildings, Old and New, Rome: International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property
Pickles, D (2015) Flooding and Historic Buildings, 2nd edition. Available at: https://historicengland.org.uk/ images-books/publications/flooding-and-historic-buildings-2ednrev/
Schofield, J (forthcoming) Basic Limewash, SPAB Technical Advice Note Schofield, J (forthcoming) Beeswax Polish, SPAB Technical Advice Note
Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (2016) Breathability and Old Buildings. Available at: https://www.spab.org.uk/advice/breathability-and-old-buildings
Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (forthcoming) Chimneys, Flues and Fireplaces, SPAB Technical Advice Note
Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (forthcoming) Colourless Water-Repellent Surface Treatments on Historic Masonry
Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (forthcoming) Timber Frames and Roofs, SPAB Technical Advice Note
Townsend, A (forthcoming) Roughcast, SPAB Technical Advice Note
Trotman, P, Sanders, C and Harrison, H (2004) Understanding Dampness: Effects, Causes, Diagnosis and Remedies, Garston: HIS BRE Press
The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) believes old buildings have a future. From cottages to castles and from churches to cathedrals we are here to help buildings and the people who care for them. Through our unique training schemes, courses, advice and research we help people put our expertise into practice.
Founded by William Morris in 1877, the SPAB was established in response to the work of Victorian architects whose enthusiasm for harmful restoration caused irreparable damage. Today the SPAB encour ages excellence in new design to enrich and complement the built historic environment. We train new generations of architectural professionals and building craftspeople to shape this landscape with sensitivity and skill, and we play a statutory role as adviser to local planning authorities. In our casework we campaign actively to protect old buildings at risk.
SPAB: hands on history. Join today to support our positive, practical approach to building conservation.
First published in this form in 2018. This pamphlet draws on material contained in former Technical Pamphlet 8, written by Andrew Thomas, Gilbert Williams and Nicola Ashurst. Thanks for advice on the preparation of this document are due to: Philip Hughes, Caroline Rye, Joseph Orsi and David Alexander. © D Kent/SPAB 2018.
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A deep dive into the history, common issues, and maintenance of cast iron rainwater goods, with a focus on traditional Scottish architecture; cast iron rainwater goods have been a staple of Scottish architecture for centuries, prized for their durability, strength, and aesthetic appeal. These qualities are particularly important in Scotland, where the weather can be harsh and unforgiving. They are a testament to the craftsmanship and ingenuity of a bygone era, adding a touch of elegance and historical significance to buildings across the country.
Cast iron’s journey in Scottish architecture began in the 18th century. Its resilience and ability to withstand the challenging Scottish climate quickly gained popularity. The relatively low production cost of cast iron made it a popular choice for residential and commercial buildings, contributing to its widespread adoption.
The 19th century marked the pinnacle of cast iron rainwater goods in Scotland. This era saw the construction of magnificent Victorian buildings adorned with elaborate cast-iron rainwater systems, showcasing decorative hoppers, rhones (the Scottish term for gutters), and leader heads (downpipes). These features served a practical purpose, channelling rainwater away from the building and enhancing the architectural beauty of the structures.