Often, yes. If a wall has old, hard, non-breathable cement stucco or paint, it must be carefully removed because it is damaging the softer adobe underneath by trapping moisture.

We carefully assess the damage. If rot is isolated, we can use wood consolidation and repair; if the beam is structurally compromised, we replace it with a new timber that matches the original size and species.

We primarily use traditional, highly breathable plasters, such as mud plaster or lime-based plaster. These materials ensure the thick adobe walls can continue to “exhale” moisture vapor.

Yes, but it requires structural expertise. We work with engineers to stabilize the foundation and the wall using compatible stabilization methods, often including careful underpinning and structural injection to address movement.

Yes, though adobe’s primary benefit is thermal mass (slow to change temperature), not insulation. Restoration allows us to add modern, compatible insulation or apply high-efficiency roof coatings that enhance the wall’s natural thermal performance.

A stem wall is a low, protective wall (usually concrete or stone) built above grade to separate the moisture-sensitive adobe bricks from the ground. Restoring or installing a proper stem wall is often a crucial part of long-term preservation.

We prioritize preservation. Doors and windows are repaired and restored in situ whenever possible, including fixing frames and sashes, to maintain the historic “fabric” and look of the home.

We use careful investigative work, such as paint chip analysis and meticulous removal of successive layers of paint/wash in inconspicuous areas, to find and match the original color or whitewash composition.