ABSTRACT
One of the most inhibiting factors when using traditional materials and construction is the fear of major repair problems. Older buildings are often seen as an obstruction to progress; develop an expectation that they will shortly be removed or their components completely replaced, and hence are offered no maintenance or minor works. It is the vision of scenarios such as these that have given traditional building material and construction a poor reputation without a thought to the unsuitable materials used, in this case undoubtedly cement render. Thermal expansion is a key issue in building construction generally and is the reason why many materials such as render do fail. A rise in moisture content will also cause expansion, although in theory the material will cool down, which should counteract expansion as cooling causes contraction. Hopefully fire will be a problem for few buildings, but major fires have occurred in virtually irreplaceable buildings like Windsor Castle.
