I never cease to be amazed and horrified by the way in which people let ivy inexorably destroy the very buildings they profess to love.I suppose the picture of an ivy clad cottage in the country is for many the thing of dreams.It's a pity the ivy cladding is in reality a nightmare sucking moisture from the structure in dry conditions and holding damp in, during winter. The picture shows the process of uncovering a wall that although picturesque was rapidly becoming dangerously unstable.After standing for 200 years, 20 years of ivy had completely compromised its structural integrity until its demise was imminent. The wall in the picture is now in intensive care but after a jet wash and the liberal application of lime mortar repointing the prognosis is good.
Thursday, 13 August 2009
Poison Ivy
I never cease to be amazed and horrified by the way in which people let ivy inexorably destroy the very buildings they profess to love.I suppose the picture of an ivy clad cottage in the country is for many the thing of dreams.It's a pity the ivy cladding is in reality a nightmare sucking moisture from the structure in dry conditions and holding damp in, during winter. The picture shows the process of uncovering a wall that although picturesque was rapidly becoming dangerously unstable.After standing for 200 years, 20 years of ivy had completely compromised its structural integrity until its demise was imminent. The wall in the picture is now in intensive care but after a jet wash and the liberal application of lime mortar repointing the prognosis is good.
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4 comments:
that one was a baby to whats coming next. a warm up monkey thinks.
May it experience a speedy recovery!
Yep, the ivy is beautiful though. Question...we have these trees, evergreens of some kind, growing nexst to our townhouse, not a foot or 2 away from the foundation. I'm worried that the roots will tear into the foundation - am I worrying for nothing?
Lots of variables at play here such as tree type and age etc.In many cases removing a tree causes problems due to voids in ground caused by decaying roots.Most trees and buildings reach an equalibrium and it becomes a case of 'let sleeping dogs lie'.
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