Stonework and Masonry Condition Reports
Stonework and Masonry Condition Reports
Stonework and Masonry Condition Reports are an essential tool for all owners of stone buildings. These reports play a crucial role in long-term maintenance planning, serving as a baseline to:
a) identify key decay mechanisms affecting the building, and
b) establish an archival record of the building's condition, which can be referenced for future maintenance and repair work.
Typically, Stonework and Masonry Condition Reports are prepared following a thorough inspection of the building fabric, which is often conducted using cranes or cherry pickers to ensure a comprehensive hands-on inspection. When access is restricted, inspections can still be carried out by approaching the building from the nearest possible vantage point—parapets, roofs, and other elevated areas often provide effective access. In some cases, telescopic and telephoto aids are utilized to closely examine hard-to-reach sections.
Jasper Swann’s Stonework and Masonry Condition Reports offer an in-depth analysis of the building fabric and can cover a range of key components depending on the client’s needs, including:
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Assessment of Public Safety Risks, if any
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Current Condition of Fabric (Stonework, Brickwork, Lead Flashings, Pointing, Drainage, Lighting, etc.)
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Principles of Stonework Conservation
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Identification of Key Modes of Decay
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Need for Conservation and Repair Work
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Consideration of Access Costs
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Prioritization of Necessary Conservation and Repair Work
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Identification of Asbestos-Containing Mortars
Condition Reports for Australia's Iconic Heritage
Recent Stonework and Masonry Condition Reports have been provided for some of Australia’s most iconic heritage sites, including:
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Sydney Town Hall
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Sydney Central Station
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The Australian War Memorial, Canberra
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Queen Victoria Building, Sydney
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St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney
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St Andrew’s Cathedral, Sydney
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The Old Melbourne Gaol
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Former Melbourne Treasury Building
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Chief Secretary’s Building, Sydney
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Lands Department, Sydney, and more.
In addition, Jasper Swann has conducted condition assessments for the Australian Commonwealth Government on sandstone structures across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, the Northern Territory, and in Papua New Guinea.
Jasper Swann Pty Ltd
Stone Conservation and Heritage Restoration Consultant