Durham University and their architect, GSS Architecture are concerned about the condition of the plasterwork in this historic building. Following water penetration, some of it historic, in some parts of the building areas of plasterwork have been damaged and de-bonded. In the past some of the decayed plaster has been replaced with cement/lime renders, cement and plaster boards and modern gypsum plasters.

The University asked Womersley’s Ltd to undertake a survey of the wall plaster to identify areas of de-bonded and damaged historic plasters that need conservation or replacement and areas of modern plaster that require replacement with more traditional and historically correct lime plasters.

An example of the survey work that was carried out for each wall is set out below.