Climate change is affecting us all , but in unexpected ways. It not all about warmer temperatures and fitting more insulation. For our traditional buildings it can be simpler and more dramatic than that.

We had perfect weather for carrying out our field test of lime mortars this week. Our research project will advance our understanding of lime mortars and heir durability in extreme conditions. The project is being supported by Historic Environment Scotland.

You will be hearing a lot about a new standard called PAS 2035 over the next few years. This standard governs how retrofit projects should proceed. It is a cornerstone of the UK Governments climate change strategy when it comes to insulating and improving homes.

Terms like “nail sickness” are evocative. Whenever a slate slips off a roof, there is a suspicion that the roof is suffering from this mysterious affliction that brought along by old age. We see our own health decline in old age and assume that buildings do the same.

Whatever the size or complexity of the property, there are somethings that you really must invest in and top of the list has to be leadwork. Lead flashings and ridges are your primary defence against the rain and once the begin to fail, the rest of the building will quickly follow.

Projects can vary in size, from small repairs and alterations to large scale interventions, but in either case commissioning an architect is something the most people are unlikely to do more than once or twice in a life-time.