The majority of our structural timber work is in listed buildings. Working with local heritage architects, consultants and conservation officers, we can carefully restore severely decayed timber frame structures and traditional elements such as wattle and daub. Over the years, we have worked on 560+ listed buildings, including award-winning projects for listed structural timber repair.
Where historic timber is at risk of being removed or replaced, our approach is to assess whether it can be retained, repaired and strengthened using specialist conservation techniques such as timber resin splicing. This allows us to preserve as much original fabric as possible while restoring structural integrity.
Trace were awarded PCA Project of the Year for a scheme involving the restoration of a timber framed wattle & daub structure. The building gained listed status part way through the project, and Trace managed the work - a mixture of traditional and modern timber repairs, through to completion.
Trace's principal timber Surveyor is a Chartered Building Surveyor and member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, in addition to a TRADA (timber research and development association) qualified timber strength grader.
Trace have completed repairs on timbers subject to dendrochronological (tree ring) analysis, identifying the timbers as being felled in AD1476.
Trace understand the importance of retaining as much original fabric as possible. Our repairs are carefully considered to protect historic character, maintain structural performance and satisfy the requirements of heritage architects, consultants and conservation officers.
At Trace we can complete a variety of repairs to suit a buildings specific needs or requirements of Conservation Officers, from traditional splice repairs to more modern resin techniques and/or metal plate repairs. Repairs can be completed to most structural members including:
Trace specialises in working on a wide range of historic and architecturally significant buildings, including listed properties, heritage sites, timber-framed structures, period homes, and conservation areas. From centuries-old inns to landmark civic buildings, we bring expert care and craftsmanship to every restoration project.
Rafters/Ridge
Purlins/Truss members
Wallplate
Bearer Beams
Bressummer Beams
Timber Frame; Walls; Posts/Rails
In the UK we have a small range of historical repair methods in use today by building contractors, who largely prefer to rip out the entire original timber and replace it with steel. Repairs can allow much of the original timbers to be retained, often only decayed at bearing ends or joints. We have completed many of the following repairs to structural members on Listed buildings:
Complete replacement
Traditional splicing; Scarfed Repairs
Wallplate
Bearer Beams
Bressummer Beams
Timber Frame; Walls; Posts/Rails
