Shows
Talking ConservationTalking Conservation Turns One – What We’ve Learned & What’s NextIt’s been one year of Talking Conservation — and in this special anniversary episode, Rich and Stephen step back to reflect on the journey so far. From favourite episodes to lessons learned behind the mic, they also reveal what’s coming next.In this episode:• Key takeaways from 12 months of podcasting• Exciting plans for 2025 — including hands-on training and a conservation day• Updates on Stephen’s new CPD training platform for professionals• How Rich’s platform, Expertible, is helping homeowners access independent conservation advice• How you can shape future episodes with your feedback🎯 Got a question...
2025-11-0127 minTalking ConservationLime Plaster Ceiling Repair for Old Homes | Decorative Cornice & Moulding Restoration TipsIn this final episode of our Lime Series, we’re joined once again by master plasterer Sean Wheatley to explore the finer details of working with lime plaster on ceilings, restoring decorative cornices, and repairing historic mouldings in older UK homes.We cover:How to approach lime plaster ceiling repairs safely and effectivelyWhy cornices and ceiling roses matter for character and breathabilityCommon causes of ceiling failure in older buildingsRepairing and replacing traditional decorative plasterworkReal-world tips from decades of experience working on Victorian and Edwardian homesHow to blend new and original plaster seamlesslyWhether you're dealing with sagging ceilings, cracked cornices, or...
2025-09-2649 minTalking ConservationHow to Fix Ceilings in Older Homes – Lath, Plaster & Lime Advice with Master Plasterer Sean WheatleyIn this episode of Talking Conservation, we’re joined by expert heritage plasterer Sean Wheatley, who brings decades of hands-on experience in the restoration of traditional ceilings and plasterwork in older homes. From sagging lath and plaster to hairline cracks and inappropriate repairs, Sean explains what to look out for, how to fix it — andwhen to call in a pro.🧱 We discuss:● What materials were historicallyused for ceilings (and why it matters)● How to tell if a ceiling needsrepair or replacement● Spotting signs of serious failurevs. cosmetic issues● Why modern materials often makethings worse...
2025-09-1759 minTalking ConservationUp High: How Rope Access Protects Historic Buildings – Talking Conservation with Steve HogarthIn this follow-up episode of Talking Conservation, we’re back with Steve Hogarth – SPAB Fellow, heritage mason, and rope access conservator with Highlife Rope Access – to dive deeper into how conservation really happens at height.From blocked gutters and cracked coping stones to wildlife nests and fragile leadwork, Steve shares what really goes on when you're dangling from ropes on cathedrals, castles, and churches – and why rope access can offer major advantages over traditional scaffolding.We explore:• What rope access actually is and when it’s used• Real-world examples of unexpected issues found at height• Why hands-on surveys can reveal more than...
2025-08-1729 minTalking ConservationLime Mortar Details That Matter – Drip Detailing, Exposure & High-Level RepairsWhat’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 verti...
2025-08-0836 minTalking ConservationUnderstanding Substrates in Older Homes – Lime Mortar Series Bonus EpisodeBefore choosing your lime mortar or plaster, you need to understand your substrate.In this bonus episode of Talking Conservation, Stephen and Rich explore the importance of knowing what's behind or beneath your mortar; from soft handmade bricks and old stone to chalk walls and cob. Whether you're repointing, plastering, or rendering, understanding the substrate is critical to choosing the right mix and achieving long-lasting results.We cover: - What a “substrate” actually means in traditional buildings- Common types found in historic homes (brick, stone, cob, timber) ...
2025-07-111h 00Talking ConservationWhich Lime Mortar to Use? Part 3 – Floors, Chimneys & Exposured AreasNot sure which lime to use for a chimney, solid floor, or coping stone? In this episode of Talking Conservation, we explain how to choose and apply the right lime mix for floor construction and high-exposure areas in older homes.In this episode, Rich and Stephen continue their deep dive into lime mortars, exploring how to apply them in real-world contexts where performance under pressure really matters.We cover the use of limecrete floors and lime ash floors, debunking common myths about moisture performance and clarifying where lime-based solid floors offer real benefits (and where...
2025-07-0422 minTalking ConservationWhich Lime Mortar to Use? Part 2 – Plasters & Renders for Traditional HomesLime Plaster & Render Uses Explained — How to choose the right mix for old buildingsIn this episode of Talking Conservation, Stephen and Rich continue their deep dive into lime applications; this time focusing on internal plasters and external renders for traditional and historic buildings.We discuss the different types of lime used in plaster and render work; including air lime, NHL 2, NHL 3.5, hot lime, and pozzolanic mixes and how to choose the right one based on the substrate, exposure, and performance needs.We cover:Why flexibility and vapour movement matter in internal plaster systemsWhen to avoid overly hard or dense mi...
2025-06-2821 minTalking ConservationWhich Lime Mortar to Use? Part 1 – Building & Pointing Old Brick and StoneLime Mortar Uses Explained — How to apply the correct mix for your historic homeIn this episode of Talking Conservation, Stephen and Rich explain how different types of lime mortar are applied to traditional buildings; from soft brick pointing to bedding stone walls. We cover the pros and cons of air lime, NHL 2, NHL 3.5, and hot lime mixes and how they compare to cement-based mortars often found in repairs.When considering pointing; we talk about the adage that "the pointing should always be softer than the surrounding masonry" and explain this. We discuss when to consider repointing and briefly look at...
2025-06-1820 minTalking ConservationLime Mortar Types Explained – Essential Knowledge for Older UK BuildingsIn this episode of Talking Conservation, we explain the different types of lime used in building and restoration work. If you have ever wondered what the difference is between air lime, natural hydraulic lime (NHL), pozzolans, or hybrid lime mixes, this video will give you a clear introduction.Understanding the types of lime is essential before starting any work on older or historic buildings. Whether you are a homeowner, builder, surveyor or anyone dealing with traditional construction, choosing the right lime can make a big difference to the long-term condition of the building.We cover:
2025-06-1126 min
Talking ConservationLime Mortar for Old Homes – Chemistry, Conservation & Why It Still WorksRich finds a lime kiln. Stephen nerds out on chemistry. Somehow, it all makes sense.In this episode of Talking Conservation, we walk through the full lime cycle — from burnt limestone to breathable lime mortar — and explain why it still matters today. Packed with practical knowledge, dry humour, and the occasional chemistry flashback, this is your crash course in the building material that’s been quietly doing the heavy lifting for centuries.Rich comes across an old disused lime kiln and this leads us to discuss the Lime Cycle. Stephen talks about how a source...
2025-04-2506 minTalking ConservationThe Old Sun Inn - Past, Present, & FutureDouglas Kent is the Technical Secretary ofSPAB, but in his private capacity purchased The Old Sun Inn, Saffron Walden, afew years ago, having previously acquired the neighbouring properties. We talkabout how Douglas got involved in conservation and how he came to the point ofbuying these buildings. We discuss thechallenges he has so far faced and those he is yet to tackle. Amongst theissues discuss3ed we consider how to undertake appropriate repairs, dealingwith inappropriate past works, upgrading to modern requirements and dealingwith building regulations. Douglas tellsus about his plans for the future and mentions some of the events lined up...
2025-04-0453 minTalking ConservationThe Highs and Lows of an Aviation Museum - with Ian FlintIan is the CEO of Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome (museum). We talk about his past and how he came to be at Stow Maries, as well as describing the site and its buildings. Some issues we specifically talk about are Hoop Iron and Asbestos. We also discuss the use of volunteers and how these are essential to the running of the museum. An ongoing problem that faces most museums is funding and we talk about funding for Stow Maries. We also look at future plans and Ian also tells us what inspires him.Chapters00:00:00 Music intro. 00:07:09 General introduction.00:30:07...
2025-03-1155 minTalking ConservationHeritage home insurance: What every owner must knowBuildings Insurance for Historic Homes: Everything You Need to Know
In this episode, we sit down with Steve Moores, Client Director for Howden Insurance, to discuss the ins and outs of buildings insurance for historic homes. Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, or tenant of an old property, this episode is packed with essential advice to help you protect your home.
Key Topics Covered:
- How to assess the rebuild value of your historic property.
- Factors that impact insurance premiums and how to lower costs.
- Risks specific to older homes, such as fire, flood, subsidence, and more.
...
2025-01-071h 33
Talking ConservationSolo restoring an 1804 Naval Mansion – Greg's Epic DIY Journey | Man with a Hammer's Admiral’s HouseIf you're a fan of home renovations, historic properties, or jaw-dropping transformations, you’ve likely heard of Greg—better known on social media as “Man with a Hammer.” In this episode, we dive into his epic journey of restoring the Admiral’s House, a massive 8000-square-foot ex-Naval officer’s quarters in Plymouth, into a stunning forever home.
Built in 1804, this grand Georgian property boasts 30+ rooms, 5 floors, and 60+ windows—but it needed serious TLC. Greg shares his Yorkshire upbringing, his DIY struggles as the self-proclaimed 'office wally,' and the inspiration behind his gorgeous interior design style. We also explore the challenges...
2024-12-211h 29Talking Conservation"Get a PCA Timber and Damp survey" what it means, why it happens and what to do about it.In this episode we explore what many homeowners have experienced during the purchase process of buying an older property; the dreaded "you require a separate timber/damp survey".
Stephen and Rich discuss the reasons you may get such a requirement, usually from your mortgage lender, the history that surrounds it and finally what people can do about it to ensure you both satisfy the lending conditions but also do what is appropriate for your home.
Thanks for listening.
Links:
Joint Position Statement, September 2022: "Investigation of moisture and its...
2024-12-2156 min
Talking ConservationHistoric Building Mythbusting with James WrightMYTHBUSTING!James WrightWe are talking to James Wright - the Historic Buildings Mythbuster!We start off by looking into his background and how he got into building archaeology, and then we go on to tease a bit more out about him in terms of some of the grand buildings he's dealt with to some of the smaller historic buildings, and the lessons that he's learnt from those. We talk about some of the science involved in building archaeology, so dendrochronology what it is, how that works and how he...
2024-11-301h 31
Talking ConservationEverything Retrofit with the Directors of the National Retrofit HubIn this episode, we interview the directors of the National Retrofit Hub - Rachel Owens and Sara Edmonds.00:00 Introduction00:52 What is NRH?02:02 Rachel’s background04:12 Sara’s background08:40 About the NRH, who is involved and getting the message across14:25 Reasons for, and benefits of, retrofit15:27 Retrofit for homeowners, builders and builders’ merchants20:50 Community involvement24:17 Getting the message out27:17 Aims of NRH 30:15 The NRH directory and looking for examples and exemplars31:50 Getting the next generations involv...
2024-11-231h 13
Talking ConservationAll things LIME with Ben Kerslake of Carrington LimeIn this episode we chat with Ben Kerslake of CarringtonLIME. Rich visited him at his premises in the Forest of Dean. We discuss Ben winning a Blue Peter competition, getting his neighbours to work on his house, and painting a room for 50p! On a more serious note, we talk about lime, hot lime, Naturally Hydraulic Lime, training, and innovation. Ben is keen to help train the next generation of plasterers, but also homeowners wanting to have a go themselves, and professionals wanting to understand the use of lime better.00:00 - Intro01:02 - About...
2024-11-171h 02
Talking ConservationMeeting The Building Conservation Directory founder Jonathan TaylorIn this episode we talk with Jonathan Taylor, exploring his beginnings in Architecture and then as a Conservation Officer, before the founding of the Building Conservation Directory. We discuss its success and some of the challenges Jonathan faces in publishing, as well as issues that are close to Jonathan's heart relating to conservation and his concern that conservation is about more than just the buildings.Chapters00:00 - Intro00:26 - Jonathan Taylor biography02:06 - What made Jonathan change from Architecture to conservation05:47 - Not just the building but...
2024-11-111h 00
Talking ConservationIntroductions Episode - who we are and why we're doing thisAn introduction to this podcast. Find out a bit about Stephen and Rich, what their motivations are, and what this podcast is about.Chapters:0:44 Introduction to Stephen7:24 Introduction to Rich13:08 How and why we’ve got together15:26 Why we’re doing this podcast16:12 What we mean by “Conservation”19:18 Misinformation online / media (print/TV etc)21:02 Dispelling myths 22:08 The need for homeowners to understand technical matters. 24:13 Minimal education in trades / professions / apprenticeships don’t teach old buildings 28:24 Technicals concepts simp...
2024-11-1047 min