Restoration work on the
chapel involves mainly external works. Erection of external scaffolding would
be required up to the parapet wall at roof level. The lower
part of the chapel is characterised with mosaic cement rendering. This has to
be removed as it is causing damage to the stone even further up the walls as
rising damp is not allowed to evaporate at low level. The upper part
of the church also needs to be restored as there are areas of stone flaking.
The external of the church also exhibits black crust, biological growth and
staining especially at the cornices and parapet wall level.
Prior to cleaning removal
of metal inserts, loose and cement rendering, flaking stone and dry brushing
and pointing of mortar joints has to be done. Extremely deteriorated masonry
work will have to be replaced. Disintegrated stones as well as missing
ones will be replaced only if deemed necessary. Open joints need to be
re-pointed in a hydraulic lime base. A hydraulic lime mortar will be used to
reconstruct missing parts while epoxy injection needs to be used for the repair
of cracks where required. Biological growth needs to be removed by applying a
suitable biocide. Paper pulp poultices may be applied to the black crust also
utilising Ammonium Bi-carbonate. After the application of any chemicals the
stone is to be washed well of any residue.
The parapet wall at the
front of the church is composed of a series of pilasters joined together with a
low wall and metal railing. There is cracking of the stone pilasters because of
rusting of metal inserts and fixing of metal railings. The stone
wall has also been rendered possibly in a cement plaster. The metal railings
are to be restored by sanding down and cold-galvanising. It is especially
important to improve the mode of fixing into the stone parapet wall. There has
to be isolation between the metal fixings and the wall so as to avoid any
cracking. A sample of the rendering is to be removed to decide
whether to re-instate another lime-based transpiring plaster, depending on the
state of the stone face beneath.
Repairs to the
water-proofing of the roof of the portico need to be carried out as it is
allowing water ingress. Maintenance of external timber apertures will be
carried out if deemed necessary.
Internally the church is
quite well preserved. Minor defects are some cracked stone above the cornice on
either side of the altar and oil-based paint which is blistering and flaking on
the back wall of the altar. The cracked stone will be made good with plastic
repair in a hydraulic lime based mix and re-pointed. The flaking paint will be
removed. Depending on the state of the underlying stone face it will be decided
as to whether the stone face at the back of the altar will remain exposed or
will be plastered/painted in a transpiring lime-based plaster or paint as the
case may be.