Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Expert Building Pathology & Heritage Conservation Services
Established in 1966, we are a pioneering firm of building pathology specialists and heritage consultants with over five decades of expertise in resolving complex building defects. Our multidisciplinary team combines scientific rigour with practical conservation experience to address dampness, decay, and structural failures in historic and contemporary buildings. We work closely with heritage organisations, property developers, and legal professionals to deliver environmentally sustainable solutions that preserve architectural integrity while ensuring structural longevity. Our methodology prioritises non-invasive investigations using advanced technologies such as drone surveys and thermal imaging. With a legacy of groundbreaking research in environmental control of timber decay, we have shaped industry standards through international conferences and authoritative publications.Our commitment to client education is demonstrated through detailed condition reports and collaborative project management from initial diagnosis to remedial implementation. We maintain strong partnerships with academic institutions and specialist laboratories to provide comprehensive diagnostic services, including material analysis and fungal identification. Our heritage sector clients include The National Trust, English Heritage, and Historic Environment Scotland, reflecting our reputation for handling culturally significant projects. We pioneered the concept of building pathology as a distinct discipline, developing systematic approaches to moisture management and decay prevention. Our team's expertise in legal dispute resolution and expert witness testimony provides clients with robust technical support in contentious building matters.
Services
Building Pathology
Architectural Conservation
Damp Surveys
Timber Surveys
Environmental Science
Legal Expert Services
Drone Surveys
Historic Building Surveys
Details
- Year established: 1966
Highlights and features
- We have 55+ years of specialist experience in building pathology investigations
- Our team includes authors of the definitive textbook on building pathology
- We employ minimally invasive diagnostic techniques including drone surveys
- Our heritage consultants work with major institutions like The National Trust
- We developed the environmental control methodology for timber decay prevention
What people say
Depth of knowledge
Thorough investigations
Environmentally sound advice
Historic building expertise
Reliable recommendations
Services
Building Pathology
Our building pathology service specialises in diagnosing complex structural failures and material decay in buildings of all ages. Using scientific methodologies and 30+ years' experience, we identify root causes of dampness, rot, and structural movement. Our comprehensive reports provide actionable remediation strategies that preserve building integrity while ensuring long-term solutions.
Architectural Conservation
We provide specialist conservation advice for listed buildings and heritage sites across the UK. Our team works with major institutions to develop preservation strategies that maintain historical authenticity while addressing modern usage requirements. Services include condition assessments, decay analysis, and conservation management plans for traditional construction materials.
Timber Surveys
Our timber surveys identify fungal decay, insect infestation, and moisture-related damage in structural timbers. Using non-destructive testing and laboratory analysis, we assess timber condition and recommend environmentally sustainable treatments. We specialise in historic timber frame investigations and decay prevention strategies for conservation projects.
Damp Penetration
We investigate rising damp, penetrating damp, and condensation issues through scientific moisture profiling. Our approach identifies hidden moisture sources and provides solutions that address root causes rather than surface symptoms. We specialise in damp analysis for historic buildings with traditional construction methods.
Environmental Science
Our environmental science services examine indoor air quality, mould growth, and hazardous materials in buildings. We conduct VOC analysis, spore identification, and environmental monitoring to address health concerns. Our expertise extends to bat and owl occupancy assessments and tree-related building interactions.
People
Geoffrey Hutton
Co-Founder
Pioneering building pathology expert who established Hutton + Rostron in 1966. Recognised for groundbreaking research into moisture management and decay prevention in traditional buildings. Developed industry-standard methodologies for environmental control of timber decay.
Michael Rostron
Co-Founder
Co-founder with Geoffrey Hutton, instrumental in developing the firm's scientific approach to building defects. Conducted seminal research on dry rot prevention through environmental control. Established the company's reputation for resolving complex building failures in historic structures.
David Watt
Associate Director
Leading authority on building pathology and author of the definitive textbook 'Building Pathology: Principles and Practice'. Specialises in expert witness testimony and complex defect diagnosis. Regular contributor to industry conferences and technical publications.
Questions
What is building pathology?
Building pathology is the scientific study of building defects and decay mechanisms to develop effective remediation strategies. We use this discipline to diagnose structural failures and moisture-related issues in buildings of all ages.
Do you work on modern buildings?
While specialising in heritage buildings, we apply our expertise to modern structures too. Our scientific approach to defect diagnosis benefits all building types, from new constructions to listed historic properties.
How do you investigate damp problems?
We use moisture profiling, salt analysis, and thermal imaging to identify damp sources. Our non-invasive techniques determine whether issues stem from rising damp, penetrating damp, or condensation, providing targeted solutions.
Can you help with legal disputes?
Yes, our expert witness services assist in property-related legal cases. We provide detailed reports and court testimony on building defects, decay causes, and appropriate remediation measures for dispute resolution.
What areas do you cover?
We operate nationwide across the UK with offices in Surrey, Manchester, Nottinghamshire, and Oxfordshire. Our expertise extends to international projects involving historic building conservation and defect analysis.
