Gallery

Norman Road

We were appointed to oversee the restoration and structural repair of a privately owned Victorian home in South Manchester. The brief was to strip away decades of modern paint from the front façade, carry out careful repointing using traditional lime mortar, undertake masonry and brick repairs, and implement structural amendments where settlement and degradation had taken place.

The property sat within a quiet, closely knit residential street, meaning minimal disruption to neighbours and sensitive coordination with the client were key to the project’s success.

Scope of Works

Paint Removal Using the IBIX System:

Years of modern paint had built up on the original red brick and stone detailing, trapping moisture and accelerating decay. We specified the use of the IBIX low-pressure micro-abrasive system, selecting a fine-grade media to clean the masonry without damaging the underlying surface. This method allowed for effective cleaning with minimal dust and noise, ideal in a suburban setting.

Lime Mortar Repointing:

Once cleaned, the original brickwork was carefully repointed using a hand-mixed lime mortar. The mortar colour and texture were matched to historic examples found beneath the paint layers. Lime was selected not only for its breathability but also to ensure long-term compatibility with the existing masonry.

Brick and Masonry Repairs:

Several bricks had become damaged or spalled due to trapped moisture. These were carefully removed and replaced with reclaimed bricks sourced locally to ensure a seamless match. Stone cills and lintels showing signs of erosion were repaired using lime-based stone repair mortars, avoiding full replacement where possible.

Structural Amendments:

Cracking observed around openings and movement joints required structural stitching and installation of new stainless-steel support lintels. Internal cracks were addressed with a combination of resin anchors and masonry ties, all concealed behind original finishes to maintain the building’s period appearance.

Challenges

Client & Neighbour Liaison:

Working on a terraced street with shared boundaries, our team worked closely with both the homeowner and immediate neighbours to manage access, noise, and dust. We agreed on working hours and provided advance notice of more disruptive stages, such as media blasting or scaffold erection.

Weather Conditions:

The project was carried out in early spring, when conditions in Manchester are typically cold and damp. Lime mortar pointing had to be timed carefully, with temporary sheeting and warming measures used to protect curing mortar from frost and rainfall.

Access & Logistics:

The narrow street and limited front access posed logistical challenges for scaffolding, waste removal, and material delivery. A phased approach was developed to minimise disruption and avoid overloading the site at any one time.

Outcome

The completed works have brought the building back to life, revealing the original character of the brickwork while improving its long-term performance. Removing the impermeable paint has allowed the masonry to breathe again, while the use of lime and traditional methods ensures compatibility and longevity.

The result is a subtle but transformative enhancement of the building’s historic appearance, and a strong example of how traditional techniques and modern conservation methods can work hand-in-hand on domestic projects.