Page 69 - CFJ_Feb26

ADVICE & INFORMATION

BS 7913 also addresses the ecological penetrating oil, are often favoured over deemed particularly important buildings
impact of indiscriminate chemical less permeable surface coatings. It is of more than special interest. Here
spraying, such as in bat-inhabited important also to preserve the natural there are significant restrictions and
roof spaces, where toxic treatments patina and historic appearance of the treatments must be carefully justified.
can be illegal without a license. This flooring where possible in addition to This may require detailed method
is especially relevant for developers employing a sympathetic cleaning and statements and conservation reports.
who may unknowingly breach wildlife maintenance regime. Grade II buildings are those of special
protection laws. Insecticidal treatment Sometimes for practical reasons a interest warranting preservation efforts.
should be a last resort, and only when wood floor will need to be completely There is greater flexibility but consent is
absolutely necessary and ‘precautionary resanded and retreated. Perhaps the still required if changing the character of
treatment should not be applied to flooring is in such a condition that only the floor eg sanding, floor replacement,
unaffected timbers.’ sanding can return it to use. Consent staining etc.
Along with avoiding unnecessary may be required if the finish affects the Ultimately, the success of any flooring
chemicals, any treatments, stains, character of the building (Listed Building specification in historic buildings will
or remedial processes should be Consent) from your local planning involve a treatment and associated
reversible, or at least not hinder any authority. This would be accompanied maintenance regime which allows the
future conservation work. Treatments with a Heritage Statement, describing floor to meet the level of trafficking and
must also be compatible with the the nature of any changes and the general use it is put to.
existing wood in the case of flooring. In justification. One must also consider the To preserve the floor future
some cases there will be a reluctance to specific grades of listed buildings. sanding should be avoided. This is
introduce radically different treatments, Grade I listed buildings are considered possible by selecting treatments like
for example moving from a breathable to be of exceptional and international penetrating oil, which require re-oiling,
coating to one that seals the timber significance and subject to a very high a process possible without resanding.
completely, which may trap moisture level of scrutiny. All changes, even Alternatively, a durable coating can be
and lead to fungal decay. minor treatments to floors, require used, to provide a more practical, easier
For this ‘breathability’ and moisture consent and usually consultation with to clean surface.
control, traditional finishes, such as officers of Historic England. Grade II are Success here will be determined
by achieving the correct frequency
for recoating the floor. This will
prevent wear from progressing back
to bare wood and negate the need
for resanding the floor back to bare
wood. Between recoating, effective
maintenance will keep the floor in top
form, retaining slip resistance and other
important considerations. 
01908 525150
info.uk@bona.com
www.bona.com
Alec Stacey is technical manager at Bona

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@CFJMagazine CFJ February 2026