Case Study:Restoration and Rejuvenation at Cadbury House

Introduction

Cadbury House, located on Dromore Road in Kingston, London, is a three-story residential property. Having previously worked with the client on other Section 20 works, Spectrum Specialist Support was the trusted choice for delivering high-quality services. This particular project was scheduled for five weeks and involved a range of access methods including cherry pickers, rope access, and ground-based techniques.

The Project

The scope of work at Cadbury House encompassed several critical tasks, including window and masonry redecoration, timber window restoration (repairs, replacements, putty work, and repainting), and cleaning of both pitched and flat roofs. 

We also carried out comprehensive decoration work, window woodwork refurbishment, and stone repairs to address paint peeling and bubbling. This involved stripping back to bare stone and repainting, as well as repointing. 

Our goal was to rejuvenate the property, ensuring long-term durability and maintaining its appearance.

The Challenges

The project presented several significant challenges. One major issue was moisture trapping; moisture was trapped between the natural stone and a non-breathable paint coating on the stone pillars, risking structural damage. 

Another challenge involved pointing. Initial assessments suggested it was done with sand and cement, which is non-breathable and could cause spalling due to freeze-thaw cycles. However, further inspection revealed the pointing was actually breathable lime mortar, tinted grey. 

Lastly, accessing the property was difficult. While rope access was feasible for flat roof elevations, it was not suitable for areas with pitched roofs, complicating the process.

The Solution

To address these challenges, Spectrum employed a range of effective solutions. First, we utilised DOFF cleaning and sanding to remove the non-breathable paint from the stone surfaces, ensuring the stone could breathe and preventing further moisture trapping. For the stone repairs, we smoothened the edges using a specialist breathable stone repair kit, followed by the application of a breathable paint to maintain structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.

In tackling the lime mortar repairs, we identified the tinted lime mortar, allowing us to conduct precise mortar repairs and colour match seamlessly, blending new and old repairs for the best finish. 

Additionally, we implemented a strategic access plan: using a cherry picker for the front and side elevations and rope access for the remaining areas. This approach avoided the need for scaffolding, reducing costs and minimising disruption.

The Process

Initial Assessment: Conducted thorough inspections to identify moisture issues and evaluate the condition of the stone and pointing.

Paint Removal: Used DOFF steam cleaning and sanding techniques to strip the non-breathable paint from the stone pillars.

Stone Repairs: Applied a specialist stone repair kit to ensure a smooth and breathable finish, followed by a breathable paint application.

Mortar Repairs: Repaired the lime mortar, ensuring the colour matched the existing tinted grey mortar for a cohesive look.

Access Implementation: Utilised cherry pickers and rope access to safely and efficiently complete the work without scaffolding.

The Result

The project was completed successfully within the five-week time frame, avoiding the use of scaffolding and saving the client approximately £25,000. Overall, Spectrum Specialist Support provided a high-standard, cost-effective solution that met the client's needs while preserving the aesthetic and structural integrity of Cadbury House.