Simple maintenance can prevent small problems becoming expensive repairs.
Explore the building below to learn what to look out for and how to care for the different parts of a traditional Glasgow tenement.
Select a number to find out more.
1
Stonework
Sandstone is one of the most common historic building materials in Glasgow, but it can be vulnerable to water and persistently damp stone will start to decay. Other factors that can contribute to its deterioration include pollution, improper stone cleaning, the use of non-breathable paints and renders or the stone not being placed following its natural bedding plane – the direction the sand grains originally settled.
Repair & Maintenance
Decayed stone should be replaced with indents of new sandstone to match existing. Open joints should be re-pointed using an appropriate lime-based mortar.
2
Slate Roofs
Many traditional Glasgow buildings retain their original Scottish slate roofs, a durable material that can last over 150 years with proper maintenance. These relatively small, thick slates were laid in diminishing courses with the largest at the eaves (the bottom) and the smallest near the ridge (the top). Caution is advised when working on these roofs as the slates are prone to breaking underfoot.
Repair & Maintenance
Inspect roofs annually and after storms. If damage is extensive, the roof may need to be replaced, though any slates in good condition can be salvaged and reused.
3
Lead Flashings
When properly installed, lead is one of the most durable building materials with some examples performing well for centuries. Its durability, flexibility and weather resistance make it ideal for protecting complex junctions from water ingress and it is commonly used around bay windows, chimneys, skews and dormers windows, parapet and valley gutters, roof hips and ridges and for flat roofs.
Repair and Maintenance
Inspect leadwork annually and after adverse weather for tears or damage. Keeping valley gutters and outlets clear ensures proper water flow and minimises deterioration.
4
Chimneys
Chimneys often deteriorate quicker than other external elements due to their high exposure. They play a vital role in keeping internal spaces dry and ventilated as rising warm air draws in fresh air. When sealing a disused chimneystack, install an internal vent to prevent condensation build-up. Externally, a stainless steel rain cap can be fitted to the chimney pot to keep out rainwater and birds.
Repair and Maintenance
Inspect chimneys annually - repair cracks, remove vegetation and sweep active flues. Remove redundant aerials or satellite dishes as they can cause damage to the stonework.
5
Lime Mortar
Lime mortar is essential to a stone building’s ability to ‘breathe’. It protects surrounding masonry by acting sacrificially and weathering more quickly than the adjacent stone. Choosing the correct type of lime is crucial to ensure sufficient flexibility and porosity. In contrast, stronger mortars like cement will trap moisture, causing it to soak into the stone and dry out slowly, leading to damp and long-term damage to the stone.
Repair and Maintenance
Stone walls require repointing several times over their lifespan. Loose mortar should be carefully removed and open joints repointed using an appropriate lime-based mortar.
6
Rainwater Goods
Gutters and downpipes direct water away from the roof, helping to keep buildings dry. Traditionally made of cast iron, though often replaced with PVC, damaged or blocked rainwater goods are a common cause of damp. Leaks or overflows can lead to rot, disintegration of stone and even subsidence. It is important to look out for signs such as staining around gutters, damp patches on the inside of buildings
Repair and Maintenance
Inspect and clean rainwater goods twice a year to remove debris from gutters and drains. Leaf guards can be used to prevent blockages. Repaint cast iron regularly.
7
Windows
Traditional timber sash-and-case windows, installed with burnt sand mastic and treated with boiled linseed oil, can last for decades if properly maintained. However, they are particularly vulnerable to Glasgow’s wet climate if neglected. Bay and oriel windows are often constructed using thinner stone than the surrounding walls and therefore prone to moisture-related decay and should be regularly inspected for signs of damage.
Repair & Maintenance
Inspect stone lintels annually for cracks or signs of damp. Clean windows regularly to remove grit, repaint timber frames and replace defective mastic every 3–5 years.
8
Vegetation
Vegetation such as algae, moss, ivy and buddleja often indicates underlying repair issues like water ingress or blocked gutters. If left untreated, excessive growth can cause structural damage to the building. When treatment is necessary, care must be taken as harsh cleaning can harm historic surfaces more than the vegetation itself. Removal should therefore usually be considered only if the growth is causing damage.
Repair & Maintenance
Removal or cleaning should be carried out using gentle techniques to avoid damage to the stone. Identifying and fixing the root cause will help prevent regrowth.
Regular inspections are one of the simplest ways to protect your tenement. Look for changes in the condition of the building – particularly after periods of heavy rain or severe weather – and deal with defects before they become more serious.