TUDOR COTTAGE,
MANOR LANE,
LITTLE COMBERTON, WR10 3ER
GABLE END
Major repair works are required to the complete period timber frame gable as it is now in an
increasingly precarious state. The timber frame is distorted and has failed on the right hand
side. Deterioration has continued since the writing of Appendix B, Repairs to Timber Frame,
in 2012 by Graham Hallett.
The gable has suffered a lot of decay and many timbers will require sympathetic repairs or
complete replacement, including important timbers such as the sole plate. The final amount
and type of repairs required will be completely known once work is in progress and all the
areas are revealed and assessed.
The current infill panels are a mixture of painted brick, modern timber and stones. A section
two panels high and two panels wide on the right side of the gable has been infilled with
stone work and metal straps in an attempt to stabilise the structure. Some panels are cracked
and a 2nd level down brick panel came loose from the frame, presenting a danger to passersby. This has now fallen to the ground and been temporarily replaced with plywood to seal
the gap from ingress of weather and wild life until the full gable repair takes place.
PROPOSED REPAIRS TO GABLE END
The work will commence from the top down, propping the building as required at each level.
The top infill panel will be examined once the building frame is secured and the necessary
repairs/replacement implemented.
Each timber and panel will be examined in turn and as much of the original fabric as possible
retained. It is already clear that the sole plate needs reinstatement to tie in the building. This
will be sat on a dwarf wall. (see appendix B) The stone plinth will be removed and replaced
with timber and infill panels as detailed below.
The use of air dried oak as opposed to green is proposed, as much of the drying of the timber
has already taken place. This will help stop water ingress due to shrinkage at a later date.
Traditional mortice and tenon joints, fixed with oak pegs, will be used, plus stainless steel
screws, coach screws and steel brackets as required to provide adequate fixing.
It is proposed that the infill panels be constructed of 25mm breathable wood wool board,
fixed to a perimeter batten on the external face. The void in the middle to be filled with
approximately 50mm breathable sheep’s wool to provide adequate insulation. The internal
board to be 15 mm. The panels will be finished with 2 sand to 1 (ratio by volume) hydraulic
lime render to both faces. No cement will be used and existing cement render removed..
Several coats of lime wash will be used for the final finish.