What are Consurv?

CONSURV differ dramatically from the standard engineering or surveying practice in that we apply our extensive experience with building pathology and conservation to each and every one of the buildings which we undertake to survey. 

For the past 35 years Consurv have been devoted to non-destructive investigation techniques in relation to surveying and the conservation of historic buildings in Ireland, England, France, Germany and Spain.

Consurv have developed a range of surveying techniques that is consistent with the minimum intervention approach required when dealing with our nation’s important stock of historic buildings. By applying our extensive knowledge of building pathology we can give a very clear understanding of what is causing a problem in the first instance.  Diagnosis of the cause is the primary element which sets in motion the train of thought as to how the building is eventually going to be restored.

Amongst The key elements Consurv can offer are; 

·         The use of Non-destructive investigation techniques to find the cause of Toxic Mould, Dry Rot, Fungus / Fungal growth and Rising Damp.

·         The use of the fibre-optic cameras to help find hidden moulds.

·         The use of the resistometer equipment for testing the integrity of timber for fungus and dry rot

·         Thermographical surveys that will identify areas of dampness or the source of water ingress a cause for rising damp

·         A long association in the use of Lime whereby we can practically apply the lime material and give demonstrations on this procedure.

·         Members of Consurv have lectured widely on Conservation topics and would be happy to assist the IGS with any of the up and coming conferences.

We can find the cause for Toxic mould, Dry Rot, Fungus / Fungal growth, Rising Damp, etc and restore the building to a state that removes these problems.

This has proven to be extremely valuable in saving not only money pertaining to the restoration of historic buildings but also more importantly saving the historic fabric of the building itself.  

Understanding material compatibility is essential more over when dealing with Historic Buildings that may have had modern interventions.  We have been involved in various European Studies investigating materials technology.  At Consurv for example a detailed analysis of the type of plaster that is present on a wall can be analysed and the results can subsequently be used to specify a plaster mix that would be compatible with the existing material.

Most of the information available on the Irish Market in relation to historic buildings is provided by manufacturers of a specific product or retailers for the product.  For instance, the information and guidance provided on Lime to the owners of our Georgian and Historic buildings come in the main from the distributors or manufacturers of the product.   At Consurv we can offer a detailed analysis and an actual specification for the material regardless of the supplier.

It is important to remember that these buildings have lasted for hundreds of years and there is no reason why they should not continue to last.  The majority of defects in my experience over the last 30 years in buildings related to defective dewatering of the building.  i.e. gutters, roves, down-pipes, drainage systems, etc.

Our founder was recently been appointed to lecture in the Historical Building section of NUI Maynooth on best building practice of Historic Buildings. The Consurv staff are committed to ensuring that our important stock of historic buildings are cared for in accordance with best Conservation practices to help remove Toxic Mould, Dry Rot, Fungus / Fungal growth and Rising Damp.