For many years the conversion of former agricultural buildings has provided developers and owners with challenging but very rewarding projects and the end results can be quite magnificent, providing historic rural living. In recent years we have experienced a growing demand for our services in providing specialist structural repairs for barn conversions and have had the privilege of working on some fantastic projects.

A large number of our projects have involved taking the shell of a former agricultural building (some in a derelict condition) and providing specialist solutions and building services to help with the sympathetic repair and conversion into habitable accommodation. Our Structural Services division provide Anchoring, Corner and Crack Stitching services, as well as Consolidation and Grouting where applicable. Lateral Restraint using bespoke systems can also remove the need for the use of unsightly pattress plates.

Where the building is acting as a “host” to the internal occupation, our Structural Services division can design and install a supporting mechanism to ensure that none of the flooring timbers bear directly in to the external elevations. Particularly useful where the building is located in an exposed position and is the subject of Penetrating Damp on a regular basis, traditional Repointing providing a route for residual moisture to evaporate naturally.

Coupled with a lining system (all reversible processes) the internal environment can be isolated from the main structure, literally using the building itself as a host. High levels of insulation can be achieved, providing modern living standards without permanently changing the exterior or interior of the host building.

Our Building Preservation division provide Timber Treatment and Timber Repairs to Structural Timbers as well as Damp Proofing and Waterproofing Services.

Damp Proofing in Barn Conversions can provide unique challenges, especially when taking account of the historic use of the building. Structures can be contaminated with ground salts as well as suffering the residual effects of stored goods and fertilisers. This, coupled with contaminants associated with livestock occupation, mean that traditional directly applied finishes will face significant challenges.