Protecting a Yorkshire landmark: Flamborough lighthouse refurbishment
Ian Williams restores the distinctive Flamborough Lighthouse with Rust-Oleum Murfill Waterproofing
Standing prominently on the dramatic Yorkshire coastline, Flamborough Lighthouse is one of the region’s most recognisable landmarks. Built in 1806 for Trinity House, the lighthouse has guided vessels safely along the Yorkshire coast for more than two centuries.
When the iconic lighthouse and its surrounding buildings required refurbishment, specialist contractor Ian Williams turned to Promain for a high-performance coating system capable of providing long-term protection while maintaining the distinctive appearance of this historic site.
The challenge
Working on a historic lighthouse in an exposed coastal environment presents a unique set of challenges.
The buildings and tower are subjected to harsh weather conditions, including wind, rain and salt-laden coastal air. Any coating system therefore needs to provide more than just an attractive finish – it needs to offer durable protection against the elements while allowing the underlying masonry to breathe.
For a landmark such as Flamborough Lighthouse, appearance was equally important. The clean white finish is an integral part of the lighthouse’s distinctive character, meaning the refurbishment needed to deliver a high-quality, uniform finish across the tower and associated buildings.
The solution
Ian Williams selected Rust-Oleum Murfill Waterproofing in White 101, supplied by Promain, as part of the refurbishment works.
Murfill Waterproofing is an elastic, crack-bridging façade coating designed to waterproof and protect masonry, concrete and other exterior surfaces. Its microporous structure allows the substrate to breathe, while its elasticity helps accommodate movement and bridge fine cracks.
For an exposed coastal structure such as Flamborough Lighthouse, these properties make it particularly well suited to providing long-term protection from the elements. The product is also approved by Trinity House for use on lighthouses, making it an especially appropriate choice for this type of specialist refurbishment.
The finish
The completed refurbishment has transformed the appearance of the lighthouse and surrounding buildings, restoring their bright, distinctive appearance while providing a durable protective coating for the exterior surfaces.
The photographs from the completed project show the striking results: the tower has a crisp, consistent white finish, with the contrasting green detailing carefully retained across the windows, doors and lower sections of the buildings.
The result is a lighthouse that looks every bit as distinctive as it should, while benefiting from a modern waterproofing coating designed to withstand demanding exterior environments.
A great result for a historic landmark
Projects such as Flamborough Lighthouse demonstrate the importance of selecting the right specialist coating for the environment and substrate.
The combination of Ian Williams’ expertise in refurbishment and maintenance with Rust-Oleum Murfill Waterproofing has helped ensure that this iconic Yorkshire landmark continues to look its best while receiving protection designed for the demanding coastal environment.
We are delighted to have supplied the coating system for such a distinctive and prestigious project.
Project: Flamborough Lighthouse, East Yorkshire
Contractor: Ian Williams
Supplier: Promain
Product: Rust-Oleum Murfill Waterproofing
Colour: White 101
Application: Exterior masonry and façade refurbishment
