Keeping a heritage building in excellent condition is not just about aesthetics. It’s about protection, attention to detail, and smart investment in the future. At IGNAS Ltd, our exterior painting and decorating work covers not only full-scale restorations but also precise preventive maintenance that helps avoid costly repairs.
In this blog, I want to share an example from Kensington – a Grade II* listed building we returned to several years after a complete renovation. This time, it wasn’t about a major restoration but about thoughtful preventive care.
A few years ago, we carried out a full renovation of all the windows and exterior painted elements of this beautiful period property. The work included removing old paint, repairing joinery, restoring metal details, and applying durable protective coatings. The final result was spectacular, bringing the façade back to its former glory.
Years later, the property’s managing agent invited us back – not to start everything from scratch but to extend the results of our earlier work. This is exactly where exterior painting and decorating in the form of preventive maintenance plays an important role.
While the windows themselves remain in excellent condition thanks to the previous renovation, the sills – especially on the south-facing side – are the most exposed to sunlight and rain. Water often collects on their surface, and even the smallest crack in the paint can allow moisture to penetrate the timber.
Once that happens, deterioration begins: paint starts to peel, the wood fibres separate, and over a few seasons, this can lead to serious and expensive repairs. Our goal was to act before any significant damage could occur.
As part of this preventive care, we carried out:
All work was carried out from inside the building wherever possible, ensuring safe access for the team. In some cases, we removed sash windows to reach difficult areas. This approach ensured full control and eliminated unnecessary risk.
This strategy preserves earlier investments, extends the lifespan of the work already completed, and ensures the property maintains a consistent and attractive appearance for years to come.
Regular maintenance is not just about appearance – it’s also about real protection against weathering and extending the life of previous renovations. This approach allows managing agents to maintain the historical character of their buildings and avoid sudden, costly restoration projects.
A few years ago, we completed a full exterior renovation of this building, and you can see the results in our detailed case study. It describes the entire project – from preparation and joinery restoration to the final finishing:
Full Case Study – An Elegant Period Property Back to Its Absolute Best:
https://ignas.london/project/case-study-exterior-painters-in-london-first-impressions-an-elegant-period-property-back-to-its-absolute-best/
Exterior painting and decorating in the form of preventive care is the best way to protect the results of previous work, safeguard the structure, and maintain the beauty of a building. This is how we look after heritage properties – with attention to detail, safety, and durability.
If you manage a similar property and would like to learn step-by-step how we carry out preventive maintenance on external timber elements and finishes, get in touch. We’ll be happy to create a plan tailored to your building.
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