We decided to take the plaster from around the window and repoint in lime as a solution to a condensation and mould issue. On removing the plaster we have found that there are breeze blocks underneath. We think this room has been divided at some stage to make two bedrooms so they may have put a new window in but we cannot understand why they have put breeze blocks round the window. We are now undecided on how to solve the condensation and mould issue as we daren't take the breeze blocks out not knowing why they were placed there in the first place. Do you think if we replaster over the breeze blocks using lime that this may reduce condensation or does anyone have any ideas on what to do.
- Thread starter Bevmarley
- Start date
The walls in the house are two foot thick stone walls, origionaly lime mortar but after being cemented they are in poor condition. We took the plaster off around a window in another room and found stones and lime mortar underneath. In this case we have found breeze blocks where there were stones. From looking outside it may have been that the origional stones were not very good and they have simply replaced them. They look to be lightweight aero blocks and laid pretty well, by a builder. There is now an outer skin of stone and then block the rest of the way to the inner plaster.
malcolm
& Clementine the cat
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- Bedfordshire
Condensation would normally form on the coldest surface of a room. Where I had mould problems it was because the walls had been waterproofed inside and out and were sodden wet (and therefore less good for insulation than the other walls).
I suspect a lime plaster would help reduce mould as it would allow condensation to soak in so the surface wouldn't be wet enough for mould to form, then the moisture could evaporate back into the room while it is not in use.
The underlying problem is probably that the wall is cold, otherwise the condensation would form elsewhere. Which room is it?
I suspect a lime plaster would help reduce mould as it would allow condensation to soak in so the surface wouldn't be wet enough for mould to form, then the moisture could evaporate back into the room while it is not in use.
The underlying problem is probably that the wall is cold, otherwise the condensation would form elsewhere. Which room is it?
Is the block work definitely part of the wall and not just an additional skin on the inside?
We had thermalite block skins on the inside of some of our rooms which were added by a previous owner to 'insulate' and stop penetrating damp showing on the inside face by creating a cavity. The only problem was the tanking they'd put on the inside of the outside wall left the cavity running wet.
We had thermalite block skins on the inside of some of our rooms which were added by a previous owner to 'insulate' and stop penetrating damp showing on the inside face by creating a cavity. The only problem was the tanking they'd put on the inside of the outside wall left the cavity running wet.
livias
Member
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- North east Bedfordshire
Might it have been a doorway at some time? Which was then blocked up to turn it into a window
Sounds to me like a blocked up door. Lightweight blocks are problematic for plastering at the best of times. How they work with lime plaster I have no idea, but I really wouldn't just risk it. I would advocate "wiring" them (SS EML) , and taking your plasterer's advice on sealing them or otherwise preparing them to receive lime. If you are doing it yourself, then ask your lime supplier.
There is no reason this area should be a particular condensation risk. The blocks will be warmer than stone, and so less likely to be the site of condensation
There is no reason this area should be a particular condensation risk. The blocks will be warmer than stone, and so less likely to be the site of condensation
