Talking Conservation

It’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 or an idea for future episodes? Reach out via our websites below.Book a 1-to-1 consultation: https://www.expertible.comExplore Stephen’s CPD training: https://www.beconservation.comRegister interest for our Conservation Day:https://bit.ly/conservation-day-survey🔔 Follow to get notified about new episodes as we launch a brand new series soon – including one focused on timber and internal finishes.

In 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 missing mouldings, this episode will help you understand what to do — and what to avoid — when working with lime plaster in period properties.🔔 Subscribe to our channel for expert advice on maintaining and restoring older homes📣 This wraps up our series on lime — next, we’re diving into a whole new theme. Hit the bell to be notified when the next series goes live!🔗 Links👉 Expertible – 1:1 video consultations with independent heritage professionals👉 Stephen Boniface Associates – Chartered building surveyor and conservation specialist📌 Who is this for?Homeowners of older UK properties, tradespeople working with traditional buildings, and anyone interested in practical conservation.🎬 Don’t miss our full lime mortar series – Watch the full playlist hereContents00:00 Introduction00:40 A brief history of decorative plasterwork03:08 A brief history of fibrous plasterwork05:52 Forms of plaster and mixes 07:49 Changes in decorative plaster through the 17th and 18th centuries11:14 Whether to repair or replace14:00 Cleaning plaster details and taking a squeeze17:16 Applying soft distemper17:48 Taking a squeeze19:58 Installing new/replacement cornices and details25:00 The most challenging, rewarding, impressive jobs30:19 Running moulds and what lies behind32:33 Decorative plaster34:10 Aggregates, hair and additives48:31 Closing49:14 Outro

In 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●      DIY options vs. when to leave itto specialists●      The pros and cons of differentlime plasters for interiors●      Myths around steamers, fillers,and patching old ceilings●      What goes wrong when corners arecut●      What not to do with cracked or sagging ceilings🛠️ Whether you're dealing with acrumbling Victorian ceiling or just curious about traditional internalfinishes, this is packed with insight.🔗 Mentioned in this episode:👉 Expertible– 1:1 video consultations with independent heritage professionals👉 Stephen Boniface Associates – Chartered building surveyorand conservation specialist📌 Who is this for?Homeowners of older UK properties, tradespeople working with traditionalbuildings, and anyone interested in practical conservation.🎬 Don’t miss our full lime mortar series – Watch the full playlist hereContents00:00             Introduction00:54             Sean’s background04:07             Worshipful Company of Plaisterers05:45             Apprentices07:13             Working at distance from home08:30             Ceiling constructions and laths11:53             Choosing riven or sawn laths13:35             Application and fixing of laths18:21             Gaps between laths19:49             Reed as a backing23:03             Board backings24:41             Earth plasters27:07             Identifying ceiling constructions28:19             Dealing with cracks and discussionabout hair33:17             Patching ceilings34:13             Checking the soundness of a ceiling37:10             Repairing lath and plaster41:41             Causes of ceiling failures46:28             Lime plaster mixes50:19             Hot lime mortar mixes51:26             Hydrated (bagged) lime53:04             Using plasterboard55:29             Overboarding a ceiling58:27             Concluding comments59:18             Outro

In 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 drones or binoculars• The most common (and preventable) problems that damage old buildings• How rope access enables small, cost-effective repairs that prevent bigger failures• What makes rope access viable (or not) for domestic buildings• Why it’s an essential part of modern conservation practiceWhether you’re a homeowner, architect, or heritage professional, this episode offers unique insight into how careful, targeted intervention at height can extend the life of historic buildings.👉 https://www.highliferopeaccess.com/👉https://www.instagram.com/highlife_rope_access/👉https://www.facebook.com/HIGHLIFEROPEACCESS/👉 Subscribe to our channel for future episodes on building conservation, heritage homes, and expert advice.👉 Book a consultation with us for 1-1 advice on managing your historic home on www.expertible.com👉 Professionals involved in working on or with historic, traditional, or listed buildings may want 1-2-1 mentoring and/or training with Stephen. Visit his website at www.beconservation.com#talkingconservation #traditionalbuildings #buildingconservation #historicbuildingrestoration #traditionalconstructionmaterials #limemortar #preservingarchitecturalheritage #listedbuildings #heritageprotection #historichomes #traditionalhomes #restorationtips #homerestoration #architecturalheritage #historicmaterials #highliferopeaccess

What’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 vertical surfaces- How to assess and choose the right lime mortar mix for exposed locations- The overlooked genius of traditional detailing (like string courses, throatings & hood moulds)- When to use NHL, hot lime, or natural cements- Why small targeted maintenance can prevent costly full-scale repairs- Real-world insight from Steve’s rope access conservation work on churches and historic buildingsThis is an essential listen for homeowners, tradespeople, or professionals working with older or listed buildings.Chapters:00:00 Introduction 01:57 Drips and throatings 06:44 Impact of the Grand Tour 07:35 Umbrellas for buildings! 09:13 Clogged details and past rebuilding 10:28 Water pathways and identifying problems 12:59 Stephen's anecdote about finding a leak 15:01 Stopping water getting in 16:54 Junctions between materials 17:38 Choice of material for repair 19:56 Mortar mixes for exposed areas 24:38 Dealing with coastal locations 27:21 Ongoing maintenance 29:04 Limewashing or covering and changing exposed elevations 31:08 Shedding and sky-facing surfaces 35:02 Concluding comments 35:54 Outro 👉 High Life Rope Access: https://www.highliferopeaccess.com/👉 Need expert 1:1 advice for your traditional or historic home?Book a video consultation with an independent specialist at www.expertible.com🎓 Professionals wanting mentoring or training with Stephen Boniface? Visit www.beconservation.com🔔 Subscribe for more episodes on lime, building conservation, materials, and expert insights from tradespeople working at the sharp end.