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