Talking Conservation ®
Claim This Podcastby Stephen Boniface and Rich Alesbury
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Podcast Overview
<p>Welcome to Talking Conservation, where we talk about all things related to our built heritage. Whether you own an historic building, are responsible for a heritage site, or are a professional consultant, contractor, or simply interested - this is the place to find out more.</p><br /><p>We discuss various matters and conduct interviews with a wide range of people involved with our heritage in some way. This includes architects, surveyors, archaeologists, conservation officers, contractors, conservators, historians ... the list goes on.</p><br /><p>We are interested in and talk about any aspect of heritage; not only listed buildings, but all older and traditionally constructed buildings and anything that could be considered a heritage site.</p><br /><p>Stephen's Heritage Conservation Community information can be found here: https://beconservation.com/heritage-conservation-community</p><br /><p>Rich's platform putting owners in touch with consultants can be found here: https://expertible.com/</p><br /><hr />
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
11/10/2024
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Recent Episodes
May 28, 2026
Worried about Dry Rot? Understand it first
<p>In this episode of Talking Conservation, Rich and Stephen unpack one of the most feared problems in old buildings: Dry Rot.</p><p>We look at what dry rot actually is, why the name is misleading, how it differs from so-called wet rot, and why the presence of a fruiting body does not always mean you need to panic. We also explain why moisture is still the key factor, how rot really spreads, when identification matters, and why some of the old advice around chemicals and cutting back timber simply does not stand up.</p><p>This episode is not about turning viewers into rot identification experts. It is about helping owners of older buildings understand the basics, avoid common misunderstandings, and make better decisions before rushing into unnecessary treatments or repairs.</p><p>In this episode we cover:</p><p>- Why dry rot is such a feared term</p><p>- Why the name “dry rot” is actually misleading</p><p>- The difference between dry rot, wet rot, brown rot and white rot</p><p>- Whether it really matters to identify the exact fungus</p><p>- How dry rot spreads, and what it can’t do</p><p>- Why moisture is still the critical factor</p><p>- When to worry, and when not to</p><p>- Why chemicals are often overused</p><p>- Why fixing the moisture source is the real priority</p><p>- Why monitoring and maintenance matter after repairs</p><p>If you own, survey, repair, or care for an older building, this episode will help you understand dry rot in a more measured and practical way.</p><p>Coming up next in the timber series: Next we move on to woodworm and other beetle infestations, looking at when they matter, when they do not, and what you actually need to do about them.</p><p>Useful links</p><p>Expertible, book a 1:1 call with an independent expert:https://www.expertible.com</p><p>Stephen’s conservation training and CPD:https://www.beconservation.com</p><p>For the BRE downloadable book referred to in this episode visit: https://bregroup.com/store/bookshop/recognising-wood-rot-and-insect-damage-in-buildings.-3rd-edition-br-453-download</p><p>Talking Conservation is the podcast all about the conservation of old, traditional, and historic buildings and sites.</p><p>If you found this useful, please like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you don’t miss the rest of the timber series.</p><p>#TalkingConservation #DryRot #WetRot #TimberDecay #TimberRot #OldBuildings #BuildingConservation #HistoricBuildings #PeriodProperty #HeritageBuildings</p><p>Chapters00:00 Intro.00:11 Intro to subject, dry and other rots.01:27 Review of previous episode02:08 Why is dry rot a bad name for it?05:01 What are brown and white rots (and soft rot)?11:27 Identifying rots (and infestations) using BRE book 12:20 Does identification of the precise type of rot matter?14:34 What is the most destructive rot in the UK?15:00 Stephen’s Advert15:41 Assessing and identifying rot is about risk analysis16:05 How rots work (the scientific bit!)17:22 Is dry rot a water carrier – myth or not?19:29 Expertible Advert20:12 Stephen’s case study22:02 Rich’s case study24:40 Blow torches - a cure for dry rot?26:18 Should we cut back 1 metre beyond the rot?28:33 The different impacts between persistent and intermittent moisture.29:34 Stephen’s second case study34:02 Should we panic if a rot outbreak is found?36:48 Use of chemicals (or not) to tackle rot.38:51 Summary of approach from BRE book.40:35 Stop the moisture!41:49 Maintenance is THE most important thing.42:58 Future episode on repair methods.43:49 Episode summary and wrap up.44:38 Next episode subject matter – insect infestation.45:03 Concluding comments.45:50 Outro music</p>
April 24, 2026
Why Timber Rots in Old Buildings (and how to stop it)
<p>Why does timber rot, and what actually causes wood to decay in old buildings?In this second episode of our Talking Conservation timber series, Rich and Stephen dig into the real reasons timber rots, and why it is not simply a case of “old wood going bad”. </p><p>We explore the role of moisture, fungal growth, ventilation, drying, and environment, and explain why understanding these basics is essential before you can diagnose or fix any timber problem properly.</p><p>We also look at how moisture meters work, why they can be useful, how they can be misleading in the wrong hands, and what early warning signs to look for if you are worried about rot in your building.</p><p>If you own, manage, or work on an older building, this episode will help you understand why timber decays, how to spot the conditions that allow rot to thrive, and what practical steps can help prevent it in the first place.</p><p>In this episode, we cover:</p><p>- Why timber rots in old buildings</p><p>- How moisture meters work, and how to interpret them properly</p><p>- Why timber moisture content matters</p><p>- The four conditions fungi need to grow</p><p>- Why rot is about environment, not just age</p><p>- Ventilation myths and the importance of airflow</p><p>- Why forced drying can sometimes make things worse</p><p>- The word “Breathability” (Rich’s pet hate), hygroscopicity, vapour permeability and capillarity</p><p>- Early warning signs of timber decay</p><p>- Why understanding moisture paths is key to prevention</p><p>- This episode sets up the next part of the timber series, where we will look in more detail at wet rot, dry rot, soft rot, misdiagnosis, and chemical treatment.</p><p>Listen to the rest of the timber series: </p><p>Episode 1, How Timber Works in Old Buildings </p><p>Episode 3, Wet Rot vs Dry Rot, What’s the Real Difference? coming soon</p><p>Talking Conservation is the podcast all about the conservation of old, traditional, and historic buildings and sites. Don’t forget to like the podcast, subscribe to the channel, and hit the notification bell so you don’t miss the rest of the timber series.</p><p>Useful links</p><p>Expertible, book a 1:1 call with an independent expert:</p><p>https://www.expertible.com</p><p>Stephen’s conservation training and CPD:</p><p>https://www.beconservation.com</p><p>https://www.thebesttraining.co.uk</p><p>Timestamps:</p><p>00:00 Music intro.</p><p>00:04 Intro to subject, why does wood rot?</p><p>02:16 Moisture meters, to use or not to use?</p><p>15:21 Moisture danger zones.</p><p>17:52 What fungi need to grow.</p><p>21:39 Expertible</p><p>22:22 The rapid spread of rot, myth or not?</p><p>25:19 The spores are omnipresent, should we be worried?</p><p>25:37 Is ventilation the ‘silver bullet’?</p><p>30:01 The physics of drying: stage 1 and stage 2.</p><p>33:56 ‘Breathability’, a term that gives Rich the ‘ick’!</p><p>36:43 What to look out for; signs of rotting timber.</p><p>44:18 BE Conservation</p><p>45:00 Finding concealed rot by probing and micro-drilling.</p><p>49:23 Can I analyse timber rot for myself?</p><p>50:30 Can dogs smell out rot?</p><p>53:10 Review of episode.</p><p>55:20 The importance of maintenance and understanding your building.</p><p>56:45 Episode wrap up and teaser for next episode.</p><p>58:31 Outro music.</p>
April 12, 2026
How Timber works in Old Buildings
<p>What actually is timber, and why is it such an important material in old buildings?In this first episode of our new Talking Conservation timber series, Rich and Stephen go right back to basics to explain how timber works, where it comes from, and why understanding it is essential before diagnosing any problems in historic buildings.From how trees grow, to the difference between heartwood and sapwood, to how timber is converted and used in buildings, this episode lays the foundation for everything that follows in the series.If you own, work on, or are interested in older buildings, understanding timber at this level will help you make better decisions when it comes to decay, repairs, and long-term performance.🎙️ In this episode, we cover:How trees grow and how timber is formedThe structure of timber (heartwood, sapwood and growth rings)What timber is made of and why it behaves differently to other materialsHow timber is converted from tree to usable building materialWhy timber is found in almost every part of an old buildingHow timber has been used historically (oak, softwood and changing practices)An introduction to dendrochronology and dating buildings using timberChapters00:00 Intro music.00:04 Welcome and intro to series.00:37 Is timber ubiquitous in historic buildings?03:52 How long timber can last.05:16 What is timber?06:13 What we will cover in this series.07:11 Understanding timber – what it is and the life cycle of trees.10:56 What is wood?15:40 Heartwood and Sapwood.17:06 Expertible Ad17:49 Dendrochronology.22:23 Hardwood and softwood.25:20 The importance of grain direction.28:42 Converting wood to timber – box heart.30:19 Chamfering edges.33:22 Converting wood to timber – drying.35:50 BE Conservation Ad36:32 Green, air dried and kiln dried Oak.41:28 Other timber species and brief history of use of different timber species.45:45 The use of finishes and paints.47:10 Architectural history and timber usage.47:44 Was dry rot imported?48:18 Introducing timber failure.49:28 Is historic timber better than modern?52:27 How design affects timber performance.53:14 Next episode teaser.54:09 Closing remarks.54:32 Closing music.🔜 Coming up in the timber series:Why timber rots (and how to stop it)Wet rot vs dry rotWoodworm and insect attackTimber repairs and when to replaceStructural movement in timber framesRoofs, floors, windows and common failure pointsInsulation and retrofit mistakes🎧 Talking ConservationTalking Conservation explores historic buildings, materials and defects through practical experience, expert insight and real-world examples.🔔 Subscribe and turn on notifications so you don’t miss the rest of the timber series.💬 Got a question about timber in your building? Leave it in the comments, we read every one.🔗 Useful linksExpertible (book a 1:1 call with an independent expert):https://www.expertible.comStephen’s conservation training and CPD:https://www.beconservation.comhttps://www.thebesttraining.co.uk/#TalkingConservation #Timber #HistoricBuildings #BuildingConservation #OldHouses #HeritageBuildings</p>
26 total episodes available
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is Talking Conservation ® ?
<p>Welcome to Talking Conservation, where we talk about all things related to our built heritage. Whether you own an historic building, are responsible for a heritage site, or are a professional consultant, contractor, or simply interested - this is the place to find out more.</p><br /><p>We discuss various matters and conduct interviews with a wide range of people involved with our heritage in some way. This includes architects, surveyors, archaeologists, conservation officers, contractors, conservators, historians ... the list goes on.</p><br /><p>We are interested in and talk about any aspect of heritage; not only listed buildings, but all older and traditionally constructed buildings and anything that could be considered a heritage site.</p><br /><p>Stephen's Heritage Conservation Community information can be found here: https://beconservation.com/heritage-conservation-community</p><br /><p>Rich's platform putting owners in touch with consultants can be found here: https://expertible.com/</p><br /><hr /> - How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates bi-weekly.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
No, this podcast does not typically feature guests.
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