Bumpit, Lynsted

15th & 16th century (dated 1587)

timber frame - grade II*

The work specified at Bumpit was wide and varied.

Window repairs
Structural repairs to the timber frame
New lath and plaster panels
Repairs and repointing to brickwork
New joinery items
Custom designed and made steel restraints and supports
Floor and stairwells needed repair
And more

During all these works, great care had to be taken to not disturb the internal finishes, as most of the internal plaster and timber work is decoratively painted.

Water damage to ground cill.

Biological decay of roof timbers.

Sole plate badly decayed.

Cause

Bumpit was renovated in the 1950s using a double layer of corrugated bitumen paper, rendered with sand and cement. This created a channel for any water ingress to run down. The timber frame was severely compromised in places and was in need of major structural repairs.

Remedy

The clients budget did not stretch to removing all of the cement render, so we concentrated on the areas where the rot was worst.

We removed the cement render and bitumen paper and carried out repairs to the timber frame. The worst affected areas were the gable and the ground cill. These areas we almost entirely rebuilt, saving any timber that was repairable.

Tie-beam repaired retaining original

New laths at gable end

Replacement timber studs fitted.

Hazel laths restored to panels

New laths awaiting lime render.

Traditional lime render reinstated

Conclusion

The work at Bumpit is still ongoing, but the structure is now sound and the buildings future is secured.

We are in regular contact with the client to advise on any issues that arise, so that we can act on them quickly and halt any further loss of the historic fabric of the building, as the internal decorative painted plaster is in excellent condition and the owner is keen to ensure it is kept that way.

Bumpit, Lynsted

What the client had to say:

“Between 2014 and 2017 Brett Evans carried out widespread repair work to my house near Sittingbourne, a 16th century oak timber-framed building, listed Grade II*. All the work was of a very high standard. He showed exceptional sensitivity to the historic fabric of the house and a deep understanding of its construction and the materials from which it is built. Some aspects of the work required particular skill and patience, in particular the carpentry work. The Elizabethan oak sole plate, on which the entire timber frame of the west front of the house stands, was in extremely poor condition, but he managed to repair, and in places replace, the timber elegantly and with a minimal impact on the rest of the timber frame. His repairs to the decorated oak tie beam at the north end of the house, which was in an advanced state of decay, were of equally high standard. Most recently, he carried out repair work to a failed spine beam, which required urgent, but sensitive repairs, including the introduction of steel plates to reinforce the structure. He managed to make the repairs with no impact on the appearance of the beam. Brett has approached each task with imagination and initiative, and carried out all the work effectively and efficiently.”