Case Study:The Restoration of a Grade 2 Listed Property in London

This Grade 2 listed, four-story property in the heart of the City of London suffered from damp and water damage, due to the rotten wooden window frames. Spectrum Specialist Support was contacted to restore these frames and other facade elements.

Due to the Grade 2 status of the building, and the location surrounding it, there were several significant challenges we needed to consider. These included the severely deteriorated timber elements, all of which needed careful restoration to prevent further water ingress and maintain the building's original charm. We also restored the cast iron features of the property like rainwater goods and railings.

With a limited budget and logistical challenges, the client needed a practical and efficient solution to refresh the building's facade. Spectrum delivered this through innovative rope access techniques.

The Project

This Grade 2 listed property required careful attention to its architectural features, with the proposed works focused on preserving and enhancing its historical and aesthetic value.

• Timber Window Frames: Repairing and repainting these frames was crucial to address significant rot and water ingress issues, which had resulted from years of being overlooked. These repairs were essential to prevent further internal damage and restore the windows to their original appearance.

• Cast-Iron Rainwater Goods: Painting and restoring these elements ensured both functionality and aesthetic consistency.

• Ground-Floor Metal Railings: Repainting and repairing these railings helped preserve their structural integrity and appearance.

Challenges

This property faced significant restoration challenges due to the severely decayed windows that had been overlooked for over a decade. The timber window frames showed substantial deterioration and rot, leading to water leaking in and causing damage inside the building.

The metal railings at ground level required painting to restore their appearance and to prevent rust, but with a limited budget, the client needed a practical solution to rejuvenate the building's facade.

The property's location posed even more logistical challenges.

Due to the double red lines present on the road outside, a cherry picker or other MEWP could not be parked on site. The narrow pavement further complicated matters, making MEWPS even less appropriate and making it impossible to fence off the entire area without disrupting pedestrian traffic.

If the client had chosen to use scaffolding to access the facade, quotes from other companies were extremely high, around £70,000 for access alone. 

The Solution

Spectrum stood out as the only company able to offer rope access and the services required to renovate the facade in-house, offering a cost-effective way to restore the property without disrupting the surroundings with scaffolding, or by hiring several contractors.

Our solution was tailored to minimise disruption while maximising efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Eye Bolts installed on the roof allowed between 2 to 6 abseilers to work simultaneously, keeping the project progressing efficiently. By using rope access, we ensured pedestrians were disrupted as little as possible and avoided expensive scaffolding. 

We redecorated all previously painted surfaces, using high-quality external paints like Dulux Weather Shield paint for the timber frames and Hammerite rust-resistant paint for the metalwork to ensure durability. The windows, which take up to 80% of the building facade, received particular attention to rejuvenate their appearance and functionality.

The Process

For the metalwork, we started with a thorough wash and sanding to remove any loose paint. We opted for Hammerite One Coat paint. Not only is it specially formulated to create a tough, durable barrier that resists scrapes and knocks, it's also available in colours that seamlessly match the building's existing colour scheme. This consideration is essential for listed buildings, as they need council approval for any alterations to their appearance. Out client was keen to keep the colour of the facade the same.

While the ground team worked on the metalwork, our abseil team focused on the timber frames. For the areas that did not require timber replacements or repairs, our process started with thorough sanding to eliminate any loose paint, followed by the application of Dulux paint equipped with a built-in primer and weather shield for enhanced durability.

For repairs, we utilised a two-part timber care repair putty to fill holes and missing areas. This system hardens to a consistency tougher than wood, so is known for its durability and allowed us to shape and sand it seamlessly to match the frame's original shapes.  

On the fourth floor, extensive timber sill replacements were essential, with 8 out of 12 windows requiring complete replacement. We performed localised splice repairs on the frames where needed. Finally, to ensure a long lasting and flawless finish, we applied 2 to 3 generous coats of paint. 

As a goodwill gesture, we conducted routine maintenance checks on the flag poles present on the front facade of the property, to ensure their safety and functionality. Typically requiring inspection every 12 months, we took advantage of our presence on site to thoroughly assess and maintain the flag poles for the client. 

The Result

In just ten weeks, the restoration of 38 Threadneedle Street was completed, bringing the building back to its former glory. By using innovative rope access techniques, we efficiently restored the severely rotten windows without disrupting the surrounding area. Our approach saved the client approximately £70,000 in access costs compared to traditional scaffolding methods. The property’s historical and aesthetic value has now been preserved for the future, ensuring its continued use as a commercial space in the heart of the City of London.

Got a project in mind? Contact us for more details about how our redecoration services can support your property today.