Olympic Construction has announced it is proud to be instructed to undertake the restoration works on the chimney stack of Delph Lodge in Oldham.

The property is a prestigious private residence recently purchased by Olympic's client who wanted to restore the original chimneys into working order, as part of an ongoing restoration project using traditional construction methods and materials.

Delph lodge forms one of two properties located at the foot of Saddleworth moor.

Believed to have been constructed in the early 1900's, which was later extended to the right hand elevation, the property became a grade two listed building on the 3 July 1986.

The restoration works to the chimney structure being required to repair the damage as a result of neglect, long term water damage and lack of inappropriate and unsympathetic maintenance of the property by past untrained contractors.

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The aim of the works is to reinstate and maintain the original features of the chimney structure, ensuring long term water tightness using the original materials and sympathetically ensuring the building retains its character.

The original chimney is constructed of Ashlar stone wall.

The gutter and eves to the right hand gable elevation above roof height were in a poor condition, along with the mortar beds having perished and extensive weed having become established.

A sample of the original mortar was removed and sent for analysis to Conserv Lime Mortar Suppliers & Stone Restoration Specialists, to establish the best mortar match, the nearest mortar compound being 'Fox Cragg' lime based mortar. A sample of this is to be provided and agreed with the local conservation officer before works commence.

A method statement, building regulations and planning application were submitted and approved by the local planning and conservation department.

The chimney structure was photographed and measured before any dismantling works were undertaken.

The structure above the roof line was carefully dismantled and the stonework labelled and stored in course form, on a purposely constructed scaffolding at roof level to ensure correct reconstruction with the same materials where ever possible.

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