If you’ve ever seen an old roof in the UK, chances are it was made with a combination of lime and horsehair! This traditional method was known as “bodging” and while it has been used for centuries, there is now a much better, modern solution. Let’s take a look at the age-old technique of bodging, why it should be replaced with more modern roofing solutions, and what those alternatives are.
Bodging 101
Bodging is the process of using lime + hair mix to make a building material that can be used for various purposes such as roofing or walls. This mixture is also known as “cob” and is essentially a type of concrete that is made from sand, clay, straw, water, and sometimes animal hair (usually from horses). It was popularized in Britain during the Middle Ages due to its affordability and availability of materials.
Why You Should Replace Bodging
Although bodging has been around for centuries and provided shelter to many people over time, there are significant problems associated with this method. For one thing, cob materials tend to deteriorate over time due to exposure to moisture and other elements, mostly bodging has perished away from most roofs by now! In addition to being prone to decay and mould growth, cob materials cannot withstand extreme temperatures or heavy loads like modern membrane felt roofs can.
Modern Alternatives
The good news is that you don't have to put up with bodging anymore! A better alternative is membrane felt roofs which provide superior protection against moisture intrusion while being able to withstand heavier loads than cob materials can handle. Furthermore, they require less maintenance than cob roofs do since they don't need constant repairs due to damage caused by weather elements or pests like termites.
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