Conservation & Heritage Issue 52 Summer/Autumn 2026 - Flipbook - Page 26
Painting the exterior of
older buildings: A pr actical
guide for custodians and
contr actors
Those responsible for the care of older and historic buildings understand that maintenance
is not simply about appearance, but about safeguarding fabric, performance and longevity.
Traditional construction methods relied on materials such as
lime render and limewash, which were deliberately specified
for their breathability and ability to manage moisture
movement within the building envelope. When these
systems function as intended, they significantly reduce the
risk of trapped moisture and associated defects.
cracked or crumbling render, blown bricks, or peeling paint,
these are frequently indicators of inappropriate, impermeable
coatings rather than underlying structural failure.
In many cases, performance can be improved by switching
to a more modern, mineral based alternative that respects
traditional principles. Silicate masonry paints, such as
Earthborn’s Silicate Masonry Paint, are increasingly specified
on heritage projects as a durable, breathable solution for
porous substrates including stone, lime render, cob, masonry,
pebbledash and historic plaster.
However, maintaining traditional finishes can be demanding.
Limewash, for example, often requires reapplication every
two years and careful timing around weather conditions.
Where historic buildings present with symptoms such as
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