Facade restoration: support analysis

In restoration, the wrong material, even if excellent quality, can cause more harm than good. This is why the choice always begins with an analysis of the existing substrate: old lime plaster, cement plaster, exposed brick, natural stone, old wood, historic decorations. Each substrate has its own needs and reacts differently to humidity, temperature changes, and previously applied products.

For historic lime plasters , for example, compatible systems are preferred: breathable hydraulic or natural lime mortars and skim coats with elastic moduli similar to those of the original plaster. The goal is not to "cement" everything, but to respect the wall's ability to breathe and expand. On more recent substrates, whether cementitious or mixed, technical skim coats and fiber-reinforced mortars can be used, useful for restoring cohesion and strength in the most degraded areas.

Restoration paints aren't just "facade paints." Hydrosilicone, siloxane, silicate, and lime-based paints: each family has specific characteristics in terms of breathability, water repellency, and dirt resistance. On historic or prestigious buildings, more mineral and opaque products tend to be used, which blend seamlessly with the plaster; on condominiums or newer buildings, more technical paint systems can be considered, offering greater resistance to weathering and smog.

For wooden elements (shutters, window frames, doors), specific impregnating agents, primers, and protective finishes are used, chosen based on the condition of the substrate and its exposure. In restoration projects, priority is often given to processes that preserve the existing wood as much as possible, avoiding the creation of overly rigid layers that could peel off over time.

Don't forget the final protective coatings : breathable water-repellents for stone and exposed plaster, smoothing glazes, waxes, and matte or semi-gloss finishes. These products help protect surfaces from premature deterioration, making maintenance and future restoration easier.