Woodham Mortimer House, Period Property Exterior Decoration and Lime Wash

Overview

Anglia Decor was commissioned to carry out a full programme of exterior decoration at Woodham Mortimer House, a period property in Essex. The scope of works included sash windows, hardwood windows, rendered surfaces, and a lime-washed courtyard and gable end. The property's age and construction materials required careful handling and the use of appropriate traditional and modern coating systems to preserve the building's character while providing long-term weather protection.

Preparation and Timber Repairs

Our decorators carried out thorough preparation of all woodwork to uncover areas of rot and timber decay. A detailed list of prior-to-paint repairs was compiled and agreed with the client before any remedial work commenced. The majority of repairs were carried out using the RepairCare system, a two-part resin that bonds to existing timber and provides a long-lasting, structurally sound repair. Where areas of rot were beyond the scope of resin repair, the defective substrate was cut out and replaced with new timber to match the existing profile.

Decoration and Lime Wash Application

The project was carried out using the Dulux Weathershield system on all painted woodwork, providing an expected redecoration lifespan of approximately eight years. Access to the front and side elevations was provided by cherry picker, keeping costs below those of a full scaffold installation. The courtyard walls and gable end required scaffold access for the factory painting application. After preparation, a base coat was applied followed by two coats of traditional lime wash to restore the original finish of the courtyard and gable walls.

Results

The expected lifespan of the decoration is approximately 5–8 years, with south-facing elevations likely to require attention sooner due to greater UV and weather exposure. This project was featured on the cover of the PDA magazine The Decorator, recognising the quality of the finished work. All work was completed with a 12-month guarantee from Anglia Decor.