Why older buildings need a different approach

Older buildings often work differently than new construction. Materials were chosen to function together, and the structure manages moisture and movement in ways that can be disrupted by modern shortcuts. That’s why material choice and build-up matter so much when repairing masonry or plaster in a heritage environment.

For you as a client, it comes down to two things: a beautiful result and a result that performs over time. The right solution should handle weather, moisture cycles and small movements without cracking or debonding. That’s why we start by understanding the substrate, existing layers and what the building needs—before talking about surface finish.

We often work in older and heritage settings where the right mortar and method make all the difference. Whether it’s a façade, a basement wall, masonry repairs or sensitive details, we design an approach that fits the building—rather than forcing the building into a standard solution.

Lime mortar, lime plaster, and substrate compatibility

In conservation work, compatibility is key. A mortar or plaster must match the substrate—otherwise you may get stress, poor moisture behaviour or weak bonding. In many older buildings, lime mortar and lime plaster are part of the original system, and repairs should follow the same logic.

We select materials based on what’s already there, how exposed the surface is, and what performance is required. Sometimes a harder material is appropriate; other times you need a solution that can accommodate movement and handle moisture more gracefully. That’s why we focus on the why behind the surface—not just how it should look on completion day.

A practical rule in older settings is to avoid “system clashes”. We sometimes see cement-based layers applied over lime-based substrates. This can contribute to cracking, frost damage and delamination. Our job is to help you avoid those mistakes and build a solution that makes sense for the building.

Render repairs and traditional plaster in heritage work

Render repairs and traditional plastering require more than a smooth surface—they require the right preparation and build-up. In older buildings, the substrate can vary: existing plaster, masonry, or timber structures with reed matting. This is where material know-how matters, because one method does not fit every surface.

We work with traditional thick plaster and more demanding repairs where movement and moisture behaviour must be considered. The goal is not merely to “replaster”, but to create a build-up with proper adhesion and properties suited to the building’s conditions.

When you want to preserve a character—or when the building needs a long-term functional solution—careful render repair is often what makes the biggest difference. We plan around substrate, build-up and details so the result becomes both durable and visually consistent.

Basements, moisture, and surfaces that shouldn’t be sealed

Basements and moisture-exposed parts of older buildings are areas where many projects go wrong. The problem is rarely that the building is “old”—it’s that materials and layers no longer work together. Sealing the wrong way or using an incompatible system can create new issues even if the surface looks good at first.

Our focus is to understand what the surface needs: how moisture moves, what the substrate is, and which build-up gives the best conditions. In some cases, it’s about choosing materials that perform better in damp environments; in others, it’s about avoiding layers that become too dense or too rigid for the substrate.

We would rather spend extra time early on than guess. That often saves money later—by doing it right once, with a solution that fits the basement’s real conditions.

Brick, stone, and movement: when soft meets hard

Older masonry is often a mix of materials: brick, natural stone, different mortars and layers added over time. That’s why you need to consider how materials interact. One example we like to use is how harder materials and softer mortars can work together and accommodate movement in heritage structures—something you can often observe in Gothenburg’s older masonry.

When systems are mixed the wrong way, problems can appear quickly: cracks, frost damage and delamination. It may not show the first winter, but it often becomes visible as weather and moisture cycles repeat. That’s why we choose mortar and method for compatibility, not for speed.

For you as a client, that means a result that performs in real life: stable, visually consistent, and built to handle movement and weather.

How we ensure quality: systems, prep work, and checks

We work with a clear systems mindset. Preparation, materials and method must align. We start with an on-site assessment and the project goal, then propose a build-up that fits the conditions.

We rely on proven methods and manufacturer systems where relevant, and when something is uncertain, we verify it before proceeding. In conservation work, quality is often created in the decisions before the work starts.

Our process typically looks like this:

  1. On-site walkthrough—substrate, damage, goals and constraints.
  2. Method and material selection—compatibility first.
  3. Quote or clear estimate—understandable and transparent.
  4. Execution—careful build-up and attention to details.

This gives you a safer path forward, especially when the building needs more than a standard fix.

When trades overlap: we protect the final outcome

Heritage projects often involve multiple trades: masonry, painting, carpentry—and sometimes inspection steps depending on scope. We want the whole outcome to work, so we don’t settle for “almost right”. If a detail affects the final result, we want to catch it early.

This can mean coordinating sequencing, ensuring the next step suits the substrate, or helping select materials so different stages function together. Sometimes we even order materials for other trades to avoid unnecessary deviations—not to interfere, but to protect the final outcome.

For you, it means fewer surprises, clearer responsibility and a result that feels considered from start to finish.

Common mistakes we see—and how to avoid them

There are a few recurring mistakes we see in older settings. Most come from one thing: mixing systems without understanding how the substrate behaves.

  • Too rigid materials on softer substrates—can lead to cracking and delamination.
  • Wrong build-up in moisture zones—may trap moisture.
  • Quick patching without proper prep—looks fine short-term, rarely lasts.

Our approach is simple: treat the cause, not just the symptom. That makes repairs more effective and reduces the risk of the same issue returning after a couple of seasons.

If you’re unsure, an early assessment is often better than guessing. That’s exactly where a site visit can be valuable—so you know what is actually needed.

How to get started with a conservation project

To get started quickly, it helps if you have:

  • A short description of what you want to do (repair, renovate, rebuild, replaster).
  • Photos of the area and any damage (cracks, delamination, staining).
  • Basic building info (approximate age, previous repairs if known).

We work in West Sweden with focus on Gothenburg, Kungsbacka and northern Halland. A good first step is often a site visit to assess the substrate and discuss the approach. After that, you’ll receive a quote or an estimate depending on complexity.

If you want it right from the start—especially in a heritage environment—the goal is simple: choose a solution that fits the building, not a standard solution that only fits the schedule.

Start your conservation project

Tell us about the substrate and scope, and we will recommend the right mortar, method and build-up for long-term performance in heritage settings.

Murkvalitet Västsverige AB
Org. no.: 559296-5544
Hakansgardsgatan 85, 434 36 Kungsbacka
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FAQ

Short answer first – then more detail.

What does building conservation mean in practice?

Building conservation means working with the building’s logic instead of against it. In practice, we start from the substrate, existing layers, and how the structure handles moisture and movement. The goal is a long-term solution that fits the building’s materials and conditions. Often this means choosing compatible mortar/plaster systems and paying close attention to build-up and details, not just surface finish.

When is lime mortar the better choice?

Lime mortar can be the better choice when the substrate is lime-based or when the building benefits from a system that works well with traditional masonry and moisture behaviour. It depends on construction, exposure and what’s already in place. The key is compatibility: materials should work together. We assess the site and recommend mortar and method based on what the building needs, not what is fastest.

Why does plaster crack in older homes?

Cracks can come from building movement, moisture, frost, weak preparation, or a mismatch between plaster and substrate. In older homes, material compatibility becomes even more important, because a too rigid or incompatible system can create stress over time. Often you need to address the cause—not just patch the surface—or the cracks return. We evaluate substrate, build-up and exposure to choose an approach that fits the whole.

Why does plaster sometimes come loose?

When plaster comes loose, it is often a bonding and build-up issue: the substrate may be poorly prepared, damp, too dense, or treated in a way that reduces adhesion. It can also happen when the wrong mortar/system was used. In a coastal climate with moisture and frost, these weaknesses show faster. We start by understanding why it failed, then rebuild the solution so bonding and performance are right.

What are render repairs and when needed?

Render repairs are traditional methods used to repair or rebuild plaster in older environments, often where the substrate needs careful build-up. It can involve older façades, reed matting, or surfaces where movement and moisture must be considered. It’s not “just plaster”—material choice, preparation and layer build-up are what decide whether the result lasts.

Can you work on listed buildings?

Yes—we often work in older and heritage environments where material choice is critical. That means we prioritize compatible systems, careful build-up and respect for existing materials. If a project has special requirements or needs coordination with other parties, we plan for it so the approach is correct from the start. Tell us what the building is and what you want to achieve, and we’ll suggest next steps.

How do you identify existing materials?

You can often read a lot from the surface: masonry type, old repairs, crack patterns and how the plaster behaves. Sometimes there is documentation, but often an on-site assessment is needed. We inspect the substrate, ask the right questions and can consult product contacts when needed to confirm the correct system. The goal is not to guess, but to choose materials for clear reasons.

Can you help with damp basements?

Yes—but basements require the right approach. It is especially important not to choose a solution that traps moisture or creates secondary problems. We assess the substrate and moisture conditions and propose a build-up that fits the location. Sometimes it’s about materials; other times about method and layering. The point is a surface that performs in the basement’s real environment.

What happens during a site visit?

A site visit is about clarifying the conditions. We review the substrate, damage and goals, and explain what needs to be done—and why. In heritage projects, quality is often created here: in the right decisions before work starts. After the visit, you receive a quote or an estimate depending on how easy the scope is to define. This reduces surprises and makes the project safer.

How does coastal climate affect choices?

The West Coast means more moisture, stronger wind exposure and recurring freeze–thaw cycles. This affects how masonry and plaster age, especially on exposed façades and details where water can linger. That’s why we consider exposure, moisture and substrate when choosing materials and method. For you, it means a more robust result—with lower risk of cracking, frost damage or delamination over time.