Services

 At Midland Conservation our team of banker masons understand that what you are looking for. We understand that you expect the correct selection of compatible stone cut to the right bedding plains and hand tooled to match the exact profiled finish. Whether dressed on site or in our workshop you can expect the quality you are looking for.

Our team of experienced "fixing" masons recognise the skill involved when replacing stonework. They understand that the old stone should be sympathetically removed and the replacement stone should form the contour of the original building's profile. They appreciate the importance of retaining tight mortar joints and ensuring complete grouting of any voids.

When working on historic and, in particular, listed structures, repairs and/or alterations should ideally be carried out using similar materials to the original. Not only are they more appropriate to the historic character of the building, but they usually work better than modern alternatives, especially when used in conjunction with other traditional materials and construction techniques.

Careful conservation of original historic fabric is the most cost effective way to preserve the unmistakable beauty of historic buildings or to harmoniously introduce new woodwork into an existing structure. We work with owners and architects to make sure that sound, repairable, irreplaceable historic woodwork is not needlessly destroyed.

We combine intimate knowledge of our regional architecture with the most current wood preservation technology and traditional carpentry skills. Our goal is to produce the most durable repairs possible to woodwork damaged by time, exposure or neglect. We strive to meet the very highest standard for the preservation of historic architectural woodwork.

MCL and the specialist blacksmiths we use are committed to the reproduction of quality architectural hardware in hand forged wrought iron. They will faithfully reproduce builders hardware from original examples, drawings, photos or research data. They set up for long and short run production, and endeavour to use the same techniques as many of the finest shops throughout history.

By using similar production techniques as the early shops our partners knowledge can create hardware that is virtually indistinguishable from the originals.

MCL has a dedicated team of specialist lead workers that can versify their expertise and high quality work into various schemes, ranging from small domestic contracts to the prestigious historic buildings. All our lead work is carried out to LSA guide lines and code of practices.

MCL has bricklaying craftsmen who can undertake all traditional brickwork using a sympathetic and professional approach. Our bricklayers are experienced and we recognise the splendour of our historical buildings and understand we are required to use traditional methods and materials to repair them correctly from the removal of the lime mortar and decayed brick to then replacing the correct match of bricks and mortar mix.

MCL is experienced in the cleaning of listed and new buildings using the Jos Torc® system preferred by many conservators. The Jos Torc® system is often specified because of its effectiveness whilst doing no damage to the historic building or structure. MCL’s trained operatives are experienced in the cleaning of many surfaces using the Jos Torc® system.

The Jos Torc® system is effective in cleaning brick, marble, concrete, wood and stone. The Jos Torc® system has been successfully used by MCL’s skilled operatives to remove all types of dirt including carbon, pollution and micro-organisms and can also be used on intricate details on delicate mouldings. The Jos Torc® system uses a low pressure, rotating vortex of a very fine and safe inert powder. For more information on the Jos Torc® system visit www.stonehealth.com

MCL are also expert in the use of the Doff® system, which complements the Jos Torc® system. The Doff® system is equally sympathetic and gentle in cleaning listed buildings and structures as the Jos Torc®. MCL’s operatives are skilled in the use of the Doff® system to remove oil, grease, paint and bitumen.

The Doff® system does not damage the underlying surface as it uses a unique combination of heat and pressure which is very different from any other steam or water system commonly used.

We use traditional materials and techniques to re-create the windows of the past for modern living. Often original leaded lights will have loose and rattling glass, cracked solder joints and very fragile lead cames. For any cracked or broken glass we use matching glass. For new leaded lights we can use glass that emulates whatever period you are trying to re-create and will include internal strengthening bars within the lead cames to provide inherent strength to any window.

Often the old external strengthening bars are mild steel and are rusting (Particularly a problem for stonework). We can replace these with either lead covered mild steel, stainless steel or phosphor bronze to provide a no maintenance option. If conservation is the aim then we would remove the original bars, refurbish them, dip the ends in lead or weld on stainless steel ends and replace the original bars.

Many of MCL’s contracts require painting and decoration works ranging from small items up to full decoration of churches and historical buildings. Our decorators specialise in most types of internal and external decorations including the application of lime wash and mineral paints.