The Monumentenwacht keeps a close eye on 4000 Brabant gems. This year the foundation itself has become ‘a monument’: it exists 50 years. Omroep Brabant went up to the roof with inspector Sem Smulders and his colleagues: “We look where no one comes.”
“Spectacular view, huh?” Sem shouts on the roof of the chapel at Huize Assisië in Biezenmortel. Visibly enjoying himself, he looks out over the grounds. “That’s nice,” he beams. For more than 20 years he literally works at a high level at the organization to check the status of monuments. “I’ve done thousands over the years.” This Monday, the four buildings of the institution for people with intellectual disabilities are on the program.
MOT
The monument watch provides the annual MOT for Brabant heritage. The foundation was founded in ’73 and prevents expensive restorations by detecting defects as quickly as possible. Sem and his colleagues then take measures to prevent worse. “Before the water comes through here, I have already replaced this piece of roof”, Sem laughs. Most listed buildings are inspected annually.
But restoration cannot always be avoided. “Restoring is badly needed here”, is Sem’s harsh but honest conclusion. “This is really overdue maintenance. They need money here,” he says. The list of defects is already long: “Cracks here in the woodwork, cracks in the zinc work, the roof slates are completely weathered”, he continues. It provides a thick report with points for attention.
It is often quite difficult to find enough money for the maintenance of monumental buildings. The money is certainly not splashing against the plinths at the Monumentenwacht either. Sem: “I hope that sufficient money remains available for these types of buildings. We have to look after them and enjoy them. It is so important that they can be preserved.”
Drones
Even though it is a monument organization, they certainly do not consider themselves dusty. New monuments and inspection instruments are also being added all the time. Think of using thermal imaging cameras, drones and endoscopes. Moreover, the call for them is increasing. “We are very busy with the high energy prices,” says director Sanne de Koning. “Many people now naturally want to become more sustainable.”
In any case, Sem will continue with his mission. Despite his experience, overdue maintenance still hurts him. He warns, “When it’s gone, it’s gone. And then it’s never coming back.”