Architects, Civil, and Structural Engineering Consultants

No. 43 Main Street, Balzan BZN 1259, Malta

Tel: (+356) 21498532 Fax: (+356) 21498534 E-mail:tbaperiti@tbaperiti.com
Web Site www.tbaperiti.com

RESTORATION METHOD STATEMENT

5/7/48, TRIQ IS-SUQ C/W 13/14/ TRIQ L-ISQOF MAURO CARUANA, FLORIANA

Prof. Alex Torpiano Prof. Dion Buhagiar Dr Marc A Bonello Gaston Camilleri Brendon Muscat
Ben Farrugia Victor Torpiano
1 Introduction

This document tackles the proposed interventions on the external fabric of the property in caption. The
property consists of a corner five-storey office block with four separate entrances at ground floor level.

The Application consists of the restoration of the façade including general cleaning and restoration of
masonry, restoration of the main timber doors, restoration of the timber balconies, and the proposed
replacement of glass panelled timber doors and windows with exact replicas in PVC as well as the
restoration of metal railings. Below is a list of the proposed interventions accompanied by the submitted
drawings (04)-04.

2 Interventions - façade

2.1 Scope of the project

The proposed project includes:

 The cleaning, restoration and re-pointing of masonry;

 Removal of redundant services from the façade
 Restoration of main timber doors and fanlights;
 Restoration of timber balconies;
 Proposed Replacement with exact replicas in PVC of the glass panelled timber apertures
located from first floor level upwards;
 Restoration of metal elements (balconies and glass-panelled doors’ railings);

Proposed Interventions to the existing Facades

The exposed masonry will be cleaned, including the removal of any metal inserts and redundant
services, plant disinfestation etc. Particular attention will be given to the cleaning of the cornice and
mouldings, since a black crust has formed in this area. Once cleaned, the façade will be re-pointed.
No stone changing is envisaged. The balcony railings will be restored and painted black. The timber
elements will be restored where possible.

1. No micro-blasting will be used, as per Restoration Method statement. Time-gained patina will
be retained as much as possible - methodology to be discussed on site with PA/SCH monitor;
2. Sound pointing will be retained as much as is technically possible and feasible – methodology
to be discussed on site with PA/SCH monitor once the works commence;
3. Removal of any cement or deleterious render, metal inserts, pointing and replacement of a
select number of masonry blocks will be undertaken as per best trade practice; in-line with the
submitted Restoration Method statement; and
4. Colour of apertures and Maltese balconies will be in accordance with DC15 guidelines p. 201
G.52. The proposed colour which is a light grey (same as existing) is in-line with these
guidelines.

Prof. Alex Torpiano Prof. Dion Buhagiar Dr Marc A Bonello Gaston Camilleri Brendon Muscat
Ben Farrugia Victor Torpiano
General view of the façade on Triq L-Isqof Mauro Caruana. The area of the façade demarcated in red is
to be restored (cleaned and re-pointed)

Prof. Alex Torpiano Prof. Dion Buhagiar Dr Marc A Bonello Gaston Camilleri Brendon Muscat
Ben Farrugia Victor Torpiano
General view of the façade on Triq is-Suq. The area of the façade demarcated in red is to be restored
(cleaned and re-pointed)

Prof. Alex Torpiano Prof. Dion Buhagiar Dr Marc A Bonello Gaston Camilleri Brendon Muscat
Ben Farrugia Victor Torpiano
Careful removal of renders, plasters and paintwork
Where repairs involving concrete, plasters and pointing have been carried out, these will be removed
manually, using only hand-held tools. This method is slow but easily controlled, thus causing little
damage to the underlying stone, which may already be very fragile. Electrical tools as well as tipped
metallic instruments with sharp edges, power tools (such as rotating disk cleaners) and sand blasting
(dry or wet) shall not be used since this equipment damages the fabric surfaces. Wherever paint has
been applied directly to the stone it shall be removed with a surgical knife or by manual means.

2.1.1 Plant disinfestations

The best season for removing herbaceous and woody plants is during their active vegetative growth
period before blooming. Removal by careful hand pulling, with the help of hand tools is the most
environmentally friendly practice. However, care shall be taken not to damage any surrounding original
fabric in the process. Nevertheless, it is known that, to improve the efficiency of this procedure, it may
be necessary to combine it with chemical control practice.

Herbicide spot spraying shall be carried out in places where re-growth of herbaceous species is
detected. Systemic herbicides will be used. The following factors shall determine which chemicals shall
be preferred:

1. Possible damage to the historic fabric.

2. Any risk to man or other life forms apart from the ones treated, taking into account their toxicity
(in humans, earth fauna and sea fauna).

3. Their activity period and residual effects.

4. Their mobility to avoid leaching into the water table.

To avoid having weeds build up a resistive mechanism, products used in consecutive sprayings shall
contain different active ingredients. Spot spraying shall be carried out by means of hand held sprayers
applying the product directly on the plant being treated. All necessary safety measures shall be taken
during the carrying out of the operation in accordance with the material data safety sheet and the
procedures specified by the manufacturers.

2.1.2 Careful removal of metal inserts, wires, signs and lighting

Redundant cables and wires, light fixtures, and other accretions shall be removed from the internal
volumes and facades of the building. Substantial damage has been caused by these metal bars, rods,
bolts and other items inserted in the masonry of historic buildings/monuments due to rusting
(corrosion). The resulting increase in volume splits the masonry, which, apart from being visually
unpleasant, allows for the infiltration of water, which induces further rusting and colonisation by plants.

Metal fixtures (bolts, nails, pipes, cables, etc) affixed on the walls (both internally and externally), which
are of no historical significance, and which are causing damage, shall be removed. This procedure will
be carried out attentively, so as not to cause further damage to the particular stones in which they are
embedded. In order to remove all the rusted fixtures, the holes shall be enlarged using a drill with a
small diameter bit. When the holes left behind are contained, these shall then be filled-in using a

Prof. Alex Torpiano Prof. Dion Buhagiar Dr Marc A Bonello Gaston Camilleri Brendon Muscat
Ben Farrugia Victor Torpiano
suitable lime-based mortar. When the remaining gap is large this will be filled up with smaller pieces of
stone and coated with a lime-based mortar.

2.2 Stone Repair and Replacement – Stone Changing/ Mortar Repair/ Pointing

The available options identified are the following:

 Minimal de-scaling of the friable stone;
 Plastic or special mortar repair, namely the minimal piecing-in of stones or mortar;
 Replacement of stone; and
 The filling of open mortar joints using appropriate mortar compatible with the surrounding
historic fabric.

Interventions on the masonry are necessary to reduce the rate of decay as well as not to compromise
the integrity of the structure. Hence, the criteria to adopt one methodology over the other will vary
depending on the particular situation.

2.2.1 Removal of loose material

Loose surface material including superficial material, shall be removed by light brushing with soft bristle
brushes. No attempt shall be made to rub or scrape the surface, and no tipped metallic tools will be
employed.

2.2.2 Repair or Replacement of stone1

Some of the stones are severely deteriorated (differential decay, powdering and erosion), whilst more
damaged stone block may be found beneath the layers of plaster and paints. Before a decision is taken
to replace a stone block, the possible repair of the existing stone block shall be considered, as the latter
method preserves the original stone work. The adequate intervention shall be determined after close
inspection of the stone block in question.

Where the cause of a crack in a stone has been a result of mechanical damage, fissured blocks will be
grouted using inorganic materials such as hydrated or hydraulic lime. Where greater structural strength
is required, grouting with epoxy or polyester-based adhesives shall be applied. Nylon pins shall be used
for smaller localized areas and stainless steel dowels for the larger extents.

Whenever it is decided to replace stone, the replacement stone will, as far as possible, match the
original in size, shape, colour, type of joint, and grain run. The stone shall be bonded and laid on a lime
mortar bedding, but will be machine-cut (therefore, of different surface texture). Replacement stone will
be set to the original face-line.

The physical process of cutting out old stone will vary according to the situation, but this will be done
with due care to ensure that the surviving adjacent stones are not damaged. Cutting of perimeter joints
may be carried out with a masonry saw or a diamond-cutting disc mounted on a power tool. If the old
stone is to be retained, the first cut shall be made using a diamond disc (or a purpose-made fine saw
blade, in the case of a fine joint with a hard mortar), while if the joint is wide a plugging chisel could be
used. If, on the other hand, the stone is to be wasted it may be broken down with vertical saw cuts after
the initial cutting, or broken up using a hammer and chisel.

1Ashurst, J. & Dimes, F. G. (1990). Conservation of Building and Decorative Stone, Part 2. Oxford: Butterworth Heinemann.

Prof. Alex Torpiano Prof. Dion Buhagiar Dr Marc A Bonello Gaston Camilleri Brendon Muscat
Ben Farrugia Victor Torpiano
Smaller-scale piecing in or indenting will involve cutting into an existing stone to remove a pocket of
decay. Piecings in good-quality work may be very small indeed (for example: 20mm square on face).
The cut out shall be made with small sharp chisels and small saw blades, achieving a neat square
profile.

The new stone will need to be at least 150 mm on bed. It may be required that the new skin may be
cramped back with stainless steel fishtail cramps or other suitable restraining fixtures such as stainless
steel, phosphor bronze or glass fibre dowels embedded in epoxy resin. Holes, which are deep enough
to provide for sound anchorage in the backing material, will be drilled in order to receive the pins and
the adhesive. It is essential that all dust be removed, and the holes shall be flushed out with water, and
allowed the necessary drying time before applying the resin under pressure by gun or hypodermic
needle. Pins shall be cut to size before injecting the resin; the heads of the pins shall not be closer to
the surface than 6mm for the small diameters, and 12mm from large ones, allowing the outer 6-12mm
to be filled with fine matching mortar. The resulting holes shall be filled with an appropriate matching
mortar.

The stones shall be raised into position by hand, hoist, or hand-winch depending on their size, weight
and location. The cavity, or open bed, to receive them will be carefully cleaned out and a mortar bed will
be spread onto the (wet) old stone. The new stone shall be dampened too, to avoid the risk of de-
watering the mortar. The mortar shall be a 12mm thick bed. The stone shall be handled into position
and eased into the correct alignment with the aid of the lubrication provided by the wet mortar.

The top bed joint and the perpendicular joints may then be stopped up on the surface leaving openings
for grouting. The grout shall be based on hydraulic lime; it shall not be a (neat) cement grout which is
brittle when set, extremely hard and notorious for staining and causing damage due to alkali salts.

New stone shall be bedded but not pointed until the work has settled in. If the stone is a sill or lintel the
bedding mortar may initially be placed at bearing points only and subsequently tamped and pointed.
Pointing of the outer 25mm should be left until the bedding work has settled.

2.3 Cleaning of Masonry

2.3.1 Cleaning methodology

The cleaning process shall commence with the simpler methods (brushing), moving to the more
aggressive methods until the required level of cleaning is acquired. Sample test areas shall be carried
out before the cleaning procedure is started in order to identify the particular parameters required to
achieve the desired result. A good photographic recording before, during and after operations and
frequent supervision is essential and will be undertaken. Relevant data relating to chemical types and
strengths, contact times, nozzle sizes, air pressures, abrasives and water flow rates shall be carefully
recorded.

If simple brushing with vegetable fibre, nylon or phosphor-bronze brushes is unsuccessful, washing with
de-ionised water will be used for the cleaning of limestone since dirt formed on such surfaces is usually
soluble in water. The process must ensure that no over-saturation and softening of the stone occurs.
Further cleaning will include the use of a pressure jet (250psi) shall be applied to the soiled surface for
a period that may vary, but is sufficient to produce swelling of the layer of dirt. Soluble matter is washed
away with the water, and the remaining crust can be removed by scrubbing (nylon or bristle brush, but a

Prof. Alex Torpiano Prof. Dion Buhagiar Dr Marc A Bonello Gaston Camilleri Brendon Muscat
Ben Farrugia Victor Torpiano
wire brush shall be avoided). The amount of water shall be limited to a minimum, particularly on porous
stone. The flows shall be directed from the top and downwards, so that the trickling water softens the
lower areas of the dirt build-up. When there are severely damaged stones in an area selected for
cleaning work, the water spray technique shall not be used since it could lead to crumbling of superficial
layers of the stone.

In those areas where the above mentioned methodologies are not sufficient to reach the required level
of cleanliness, other acceptable cleaning methods shall be adopted, in particular, for more stubborn
stains, systems such as basic jellies and poultices methodologies shall be employed.

Soaps shall be used when the dirt cannot be removed with water alone. All soaps used to clean
limestone will be neutral, diluted in water and applied by brush. After up to 5 minutes, the soap will be
removed using water under low pressure. Powdered detergents shall not be used as these contain
considerable amounts of soluble salts. A non-foaming soap blend shall be used since it remains active
while it is on the surface (usually about 5 minutes), combined with hand-warm water to produce the
optimum effect. After cleaning, the soap solution shall be rinsed away. Suitable, economic proportions
are between 3 to 9 parts water/spirit to 1 part of soap.

Clay packs will be used to remove iron stains and other deep-seated stains from the limestone. These
clay packs may also act as the carrying agents for coating removers, solvents and stain removal
ingredients.

Cleaning of soiled masonry which resists simple washing and light brushing shall be carried out using
the MORA PACK, as specified by ICCROM, Rome (or AB57). The pack contains ammonium
bicarbonate, sodium bicarbonate, EDTA and carboxymethylcellulose in water, and consists of a creamy
and sticky paste applied by paintbrush, in a thickness of approx. 3 to 4mm to the pre-wetted limestone
surface. The layer shall then be covered with a thin polythene film to prevent drying out, for a contact
period of about 24 hours. When the covering film and pack are removed, residues shall be removed by
thorough rinsing with clean water.

The treatment that shall be adopted for the removal of iron stains consists of the following procedure:
Attapulgite is added to a solution of glycerine (7 parts), sodium citrate (1 part) and warm water (6 parts)
until a smooth paste is formed. The paste shall be applied to the stained surface and left there until dry.
The paste shall then be removed with a wooden or other non-metallic spatula. Several coatings are
often necessary to lighten the stain. For the more stubborn stains, the surface shall be wet with a
solution of 1 part sodium citrate and 6 parts water. The attapulgite wet pack, containing sodium
hydrosulphite (sodium dithionite) shall be applied and eventually lifted off, followed by washing with
copious amounts of clean water.

Stains caused by oil or lead based paints, if present beneath the renders, shall be removed with a
neutral paint-remover so as not to damage the stone. Repeated applications within a clay pack may be
necessary for persistent stains. In other cases, it may be necessary to set up test areas using different
organic solvents to establish the best method of removal.

Prof. Alex Torpiano Prof. Dion Buhagiar Dr Marc A Bonello Gaston Camilleri Brendon Muscat
Ben Farrugia Victor Torpiano
2.3.2 Re-pointing2
The re-pointing of masonry shall be necessary in cases where the existing mortar has weathered out,
or where it has become friable and loose. Original mortar, even original cement mortar where this still
exists and is in good condition, shall be preserved. The raking out of all the joints shall be carried out
as necessary depending on the type of mortar found. The mortar shall not be removed using a
mechanical disk or any other method that might cause damage to the arrises, or which might increase
the width of the joints. The removal of hard, usually cement-rich, pointing might cause more damage,
and if the decision is made to remove it, this procedure shall be carried out with particular attention.

Loose pointing shall be carefully raked out manually, usually to a depth equal to not less than its width,
typically 12 to 25mm. Wide joints shall be cleaned out to a greater depth, usually between 38 to 50mm.
If the mortar has failed to such an extent that the joints are largely empty, then the joints shall be deep
tamped and, if necessary, hand grouted to fill the voids up, to achieve the required depth for pointing.

A lime-based mortar is recommended, possibly one with a hydraulic lime to sand proportion of 2:5 or
1:3, or else one with a (non-hydraulic) lime/PFA/sand composition of 3:1:9. The proposed mortars shall
be as close as possible in colour and texture to the original mortars. The materials of the mortar mix
and their proportions are quite critical to the quality of the pointing. The use of hydraulic limes is
recommended because of the proximity of the building to the sea. Generally, Portland Cement mixes
shall not be used. The lime-based mixes to be used shall be compatible with the stonework in strength
and permeability. The fundamental principle of having a mortar that is weaker than the adjacent
stonework shall be respected. In all cases, mortar that is harder and less porous than the stonework
prevents the evaporation of moisture through the joints, which will then evaporate through the
stonework thereby increasing the rate of decay of the stone.

Prior to pointing, all open joints shall be cleared of dust and loose materials, and the surrounding stone
shall be adequately wetted with de-ionised water. Pointing shall be carried out in moist, warm
conditions and laid in layers not exceeding 10mm thickness. Fresh pointing shall be allowed to dry
slowly and be adequately protected from excessive heat. It shall occasionally be wetted (as a form of
curing) to avoid cracking.

When the joints are fine, introducing the mortar without staining the adjacent masonry is difficult and a
special procedure shall be adopted. The case often arises that the block edges may have become
blunted and flush finishing will greatly increase the apparent width of the joint. The face of the new
mortar shall, in this case, be kept as far back as required to achieve the original joint width. In the case
of lime mortars, it is recommended that the fresh mortar be kept humid as long as possible. In doing so,
the setting rate is slowed down, cracking avoided and better quality mortars can be achieved.

A sample area shall ensure that the required specifications are met and the area can then be utilised as
a reference with which all the subsequent work may be evaluated.

2 Ashurst, J. & Dimes, F. G. (1990). Conservation of Building and Decorative Stone, Part 2. Oxford: Butterworth Heinemann.

Prof. Alex Torpiano Prof. Dion Buhagiar Dr Marc A Bonello Gaston Camilleri Brendon Muscat
Ben Farrugia Victor Torpiano
2.3.3 Range of recommended mortar mixes for historic buildings3
A. Lime mortar L A
Type A1 1 : 4
Type A2 1 : 3
Type A3 1 : 2.5
Type A4 1 : 1

B. Hydraulic
L : A : (PFA)
Type B1 1 : 3 : 1/3
Type B2 1 : 2.5 : 1/2

C. Lime mortar gauged with cement.

C:L:A L:A C : CS
Type D1 1:1:6 1:6 1:8:
Type D2 1:2:8 1:4 1:8
Type D3 1 : 2 : 10 1:5 1 : 10
Type D4 1 : 3 : 12 1:4 1 : 12
Type D5 1/2 : 3 : 12 1:4 1 : 24
Type D6 1/4 : 3 : 12 1:4 1 : 48
Type D7 1/8 : 3 : 12 1:4 1 : 96
Type D8 1/10 : 3 : 12 1:4 1 : 120

L non-hydraulic lime in putty form

HL hydraulic lime in hydrated (dry powdered) form
C white or low alkali cement
A graded sands, stone dusts, etc.
PFA pulverised fly (fuel) ash (must have a sulphate content not greater than 1% by mass)

2.3.4 Reintegration of losses and heavily decayed stones – mortar repairs

The reintegration of missing, or severely deteriorated areas, shall be by carried out using plastic repair,
i.e., a mixture of a binder, (including inorganic materials such as hydrated or hydraulic lime) together
with filler(s) and, if necessary, additional reinforcement (dowels, nylon mesh, etc.). Decayed material
shall be cut out and filled using appropriate plastic repair methods. The plastic repair shall be finished to
the original profile using the right tools. Stone colour grout shall be used.4

This technique can also be used to repair stones that exhibit alveolar decay. The honeycombs shall be
partly filled to act as a sacrificial layer and thus slow down the rate of decay of the ‘original’ stone.

Therefore, where appropriate, the following procedure will be followed so as to produce a correct plastic
repair. The proposed methodology will be carried out as follows:

1. Decayed areas shall be cut out;

2. The cavity shall be washed and sterilised with water (and formalin);

3 Ashurst, J. & Dimes, F. G. (1990). Conservation of Building and Decorative Stone, Part 2. Oxford: Butterworth Heinemann.
4 Ashurst, J. & Dimes, F. G. (1990). Op. cit., pp. 22.

Prof. Alex Torpiano Prof. Dion Buhagiar Dr Marc A Bonello Gaston Camilleri Brendon Muscat
Ben Farrugia Victor Torpiano
 3. The cavity shall be saturated with water using hand sprays to prevent dewatering of the repair
mortar;

4. The selected repair mortar shall be placed and compacted in layers not exceeding 10mm in
thickness in any one application and allowing each layer to dry out before rewetting and placing
the next; and

5. In cavities exceeding 50mm in depth and extending over 50mm square surface area, non-
ferrous or stainless steel reinforcement will be drilled and fixed. This reinforcement may range
from simple pins to complex armatures. The most common materials used are copper,
phosphor bronze and stainless steel wire. Drilling shall enlarge the cavity slightly to form a
dovetail key. Holes shall be flushed out with white spirit and allowed to dry before fixing with
epoxy. A 20mm cover shall be allowed over any reinforcement.

The repair may be finished directly to the required profile using a wood or felt-covered float, or with a
damp sponge or coarse cloth. Other finishing tools might also be used, depending on the texture of the
required finish. Unsuitable tools are steel trowels or dry, absorbent pads. The former will leave an
undesirable and unnatural laitance on the surface and the latter will risk the removal of water from the
repair too soon. An alternative repair finishing method to be considered involves building up the repair
of the required profile and then to work it back with a fine saw blade or purpose made scrapers after an
initial set has commenced on the surface.

The plastic repair mortars shall be based on a lime binder. Depending on the location, a higher-strength
mortar shall be required using a hydraulic additive. Hydraulic materials shall not be stored wet. These
can include (in order of increasing strength):

1. Finely powdered crushed pottery;

2. Hydraulic lime; and
3. Some types of PFAs.

The ‘strength’ of a mortar in itself is unimportant since the resistance to wetting-drying cycles is the
most important factor. A compromise shall be made between the mortar strength closest to that of the
surviving stone and the strength considered necessary for a particular exposure. Similar properties of
porosity and water absorption are also important. Under no circumstances shall a repair mix be
selected on exposure grounds alone, where its strength may adversely affect the condition of the
adjacent original fabric. The repair shall be designed to fail in advance of the material it is repairing.

2.4 Restoration of timber elements (Balconies and Main Doors)

Firstly, any glass panes will be carefully removed, cleaned, carefully labelled and stored for their
eventual re-use. If the glass panes are not going to be re-used, these will be properly disposed of. The
glass panes will be re-installed after the required primers and undercoat layers.

Any ironmongery which requires restoration will be carefully removed and eventually re-installed. It is
intended to reuse all the restored accessories. Ironmongery which cannot be restored, or parts which
are missing and are of significant historical value, will be replaced with new ironmongery which will be
specifically manufactured to match the original ironmongery, in design, material, functionality and
workmanship. Accessories such as nails and screws which were originally hand forged will have to be
manufactured to match the original even in this respect.

Prof. Alex Torpiano Prof. Dion Buhagiar Dr Marc A Bonello Gaston Camilleri Brendon Muscat
Ben Farrugia Victor Torpiano
The restoration of the timber and wrought iron ironmongery will start from the careful removal of the
accumulated layers of paint, using the usual incremental approach, starting from the least aggressive
changing to the more aggressive methods. During the cleaning operations care shall be taken to
protect any personnel working from any lead or any other harmful elements contained within the old
paintwork.

The least aggressive method will primarily include the removal of the various paint layers utilising
manual means which include, scraping, hand sanding and/or suitable electric hot air blowers (thermal
methods). If these methods do not suffice, a paint remover solution willl be employed. This will be
applied strictly adhering to the manufacturer’s specifications. Mechanical methods shall not be used in
principle. Once the good metal is exposed, this is being protected with a protective zinc coating.

If possible, the proposed interventions will be carried out off site, to ensure the most effective
intervention. The timber apertures which are removable will be clearly labelled cross referenced to a
plan (drawing), and transported to our workshop, where the restoration works will be carried out.
Prior to any transportation and storage, the apertures which are infested have to be identified (where
possible and visible) and stored separately, to reduce the risk of spreading any particular pathology.
These apertures will be adequately treated to ensure that any micro-organisms (eg. borers and
termites) are eliminated. Once treated, the apertures will be adequately dried. Chemical treatments can
also be used to preserve the wood and not only eliminate any biological attack. Therefore, these
chemical treatments will also be applied as a preventive measure. Furthermore timber is not only
susceptible to micro-organism attack, but it is also susceptible to rot, which is caused by fungal growth,
as a result of high moisture content. Therefore, where wood rot is visible, there is likely to be source of
moisture/dampness which needs to be controlled.

As explained above, high moisture content could be detrimental for wood, therefore any apertures or
elements which have a high moisture content will be dried. These timber apertures and elements
should be left to dry naturally, without using mechanical methods to speed up the process. The
moisture content should be reduced to a reasonable level, or a level close to the moisture content of
the building it belongs to. Also prior to any works, the timber should be clean of any loose dust, paint
and greasy oils.

Damaged and/ or heavily infected timber, which is considered to be beyond repair, will have to be
removed and replaced in kind. The replacement timber were technically possible, will match with the
original timber in species, quality, cut, colour, grain direction, tool marks and finishing. Where the
original timber is only to be partly replaced, the new timber shall be carefully inset into the old position.
The unsound timber will have been neatly chiselled away and undercut without causing any damage to
the sound original timber. Synthetic resin adhesives shall be used to ensure that the new timber
elements are firmly secured in place.

Prof. Alex Torpiano Prof. Dion Buhagiar Dr Marc A Bonello Gaston Camilleri Brendon Muscat
Ben Farrugia Victor Torpiano
In the case that missing and/or unserviceable apertures need to be replaced, the new elements
/apertures, will be based on the design of the original timber aperture and will be produced to replicate
the original in the following:

 wood species;
 size and characteristics of the opening leaves;
 proportions of the timber members used for the frame and leaf;
 configuration of the timber assembly;
 ironmongery;
 detailing and decorative features of the original joinery item; and
 finish paint colour.

Once adequately restored and repaired one coat of linseed oil and 50% primer shall be applied to the
timber by brush. The old/original and new timber shall be carefully made good and all cracks, nail holes,
open joints and any there defects shall be filled with a suitable filler. Once these areas are repaired
these will be sandpapered lightly by hand to achieve a neat homogenous finish.

Once the primer coat has dried, an approved paint system will be applied in the form of one undercoat
layer, followed by two finishing coats of an approved egg shell finish. The paint system will be applied in
accordance to the manufacturers’ specifications in terms of drying time, weather conditions and surface
preparation. The timber elements restored off site, will have a spray applied finish.

This paint system will be applied to the external and internal faces, of any door frames/window frames,
jambs, apertures etc.. The paint system will be oil based and the colours will be agreed upon with the
Architect-in-Charge. Whilst the paint system is being applied, the surrounding areas will be adequately
masked to prevent any soiling/damaging of the masonry work/building fabric and other sections of the
aperture.

The apertures which would have been restored off-site will be transported to the site and fixed in their
original location. The original method of fixing will be adopted. However, where these are found to
contribute to their deterioration, and/or that of the masonry jambs etc., stainless steel screws will be
used to fix these apertures into place. Care will be taken to ensure that no damage will be caused to
both the timber apertures and masonry surrounding during their installation. All aperture frames, etc.
fixed to masonry fabric will be sealed using mastic silicone-based sealers having a stone-colour.

2.5 Replacement of Timber Apertures with exact replicas in PVC (Apertures)

The condition of a number of the existing timber apertures varies, most of the apertures can be restored
while others require partial replacement. Unfortunately, the existing apertures cannot be amended to
accommodate double glazing glass units, due to the limited thickness of timber. Considering this, it is
being proposed that rather than restoring these the apertures, these are replaced with identical replicas
using PVC sections. These will be more suitable for the approved office use, and in terms of energy
performance. The PVC section provide a better seal and ensure no water infiltration.

Prof. Alex Torpiano Prof. Dion Buhagiar Dr Marc A Bonello Gaston Camilleri Brendon Muscat
Ben Farrugia Victor Torpiano
2.6 Restoration of metal elements (balcony railings)

The works will include the careful removal, and transportation, from the site to the workshop and back
to the site of the metal elements which can easily be removed.

The works will be carried out under the supervision of our office to ensure that the level of cleaning is
acceptable and that no damage is being caused to the structural metal being uncovered/exposed.

Prior to blasting the steel elements, these will be thoroughly washed down using a power wash, this
process will remove any salts and dust present on the surface of these steel elements. The blasting grit
being proposed is compliant to Sa 2.5 Standard in accordance with MSA EN ISO 8501-1. The grit being
proposed is new copper slag and the technical specifications for this are outlined below:

Copper slag is an abrasive blasting grit made of granulated slag from metals melting processes (also
called iron silicate).

Copper slag abrasive is suitable for blast cleaning of steel and stone/concrete surfaces, removal of mill
scale, rust, old paint, dirt etc. The girt is compliant to Sa 3.0, Sa 2.5 and Sa 2.0 Standards in
accordance with MSA EN ISO 8501-1. The Proposed copper slag blasting grit is manufactured from
granulated slag of copper refineries. Internationally this copper grit is manufactured in compliance with
ISO 11126-3.

Once the elements are blasted, these will be hot dip galvanised and then applied with a three paint coat
system.

Prof. Alex Torpiano Prof. Dion Buhagiar Dr Marc A Bonello Gaston Camilleri Brendon Muscat
Ben Farrugia Victor Torpiano