Converting a period cellar

[Jb72]

Hi experts,

I have a 500 yr old timber framed listed property. It has a cellar which has only been used for storing spare tiles etc by the previous owners.

It already has electrics.

The floor has a pump sunk in to it to remove water that gathers in one part of the floor in the winter.

I know that tanking is a bad idea as it can lead to water sealing the walls as a means of escape !.

To smarten it up and make it a useable office / gym I’d like to paint the walls,ceiling and floor but what prep do I need to do ? Is it only limewash that I should consider to use as paint ?

What else should I be thinking about ??

Amy advice would be greatly appreciated

Jb

 

[Cubist]

Other than repairs to damaged / decayed mortar in the walls and making sure the water evacuation pump and associated piping are in good serviceable condition then I would suggest just a few coats of limewash.

Oh, if you and/or others are likely to frequently get rather sweaty down there you may want to consider potential ventilation improvements.

 

[Jb72]

Thank you Cubist. Does it require any special mortar ?

 

[Cubist]

At that age it's most likely a lime mortar. Do not under any circumstances use a Portland cement mortar.

Given your location you might take a couple of small loose pieces of the existing mortar on a visit to Ty Mawrs operation in Brecon. Their team can provide you with advice on suitable products and they also provide training services. See the link below for more info.

Ty-Mawr Lime Ltd - Lime Plaster, Putty, Mortar, Limewash, Limecrete and more.

Ty-Mawr

www.lime.org.uk

 

[Cubist]

By the way, have you done any research with the local authorities or others to find out what that cellar may have originally been used for? Seems like someone made a very heavy investment to create that it.

 

[Jb72]

Thank you

The property was originally the farmhouse for a wealthy Tudor family … I’m assuming they used it for grain or something ??

 

[malcolm]

It looks like it has been limewashed in the past. Scraping the loose stuff off and limewashing again would probably give you the longest lasting covering and would make it a bit brighter. Maybe re-point any big joints with lime mortar if you think they will look nicer. Definitely avoid any modern mortars or paints as you want very breathable down there and re-decoration will probably be fairly regular so you don't want anything that needs any effort to strip off. I would avoid plastering too - even in lime.

 

[Jb72]

Thanks Malcom. What you suggest for removing any loose limewash ?

Would I need to put any Fungaside ?

 

[malcolm]

A paint scraper would probably work. No need to remove limewash that isn't loose.

Limewash is a pretty good fungicide. No need for anything else.

 

[Jb72]

Thank you so much !

 

[Cubist]

Thank you

The property was originally the farmhouse for a wealthy Tudor family … I’m assuming they used it for grain or something ??

Storing grain is very unlikely, too prone to fungal infection and mould due to the damp. Root vegetables perhaps and maybe the Lord of the Manors booze supplies much more likely. Don't forget that farmers often paid their casual workers with cider and the cellar would be perfect for the final stages of brewing and secure storage.

 

[Jb72]

Ah that sounds much more likely !!!

 

[Jb72]

Hi people,

My cellar walls have some mould in a particular part. See photos.

How should I deal with this ??

Thanks for any help given

 

[Jb72]

Also how do I best remove the decades of dirt from the stair case in the cellar without destroying them ?

 

[LadyArowana]

Beautiful steps, love how they’ve worn. Sweep and scrub, rinse, scrub again. A good froth of old fashioned carbolic soap probably as good as anything.

 

[Jb72]

Thank you Lady A.

I appreciate the advice.

 

[Cubist]

My cellar walls have some mould in a particular part. See photos.

How should I deal with this ??

Could be mildew or perhaps even a lichen. Your efforts to dry the place out and perhaps improve ventilation will help long term. A good stiff brush, not wire, and some vigorous agitation should get the bulk of it off the surface of the stones and then finished with some carbolic as Lady A suggests. If I recall, a limewash was also suggested for the walls, this too can inhibit/prevent future occurrences.

 

[Jb72]

Thank you cubist. Much appreciated .

 

[Jb72]

@Cubist @lady A what should I use for the floor?? . Ideally I’d like to paint it to clean it up a bit ….

Thank you again in advance

 

[Jb72]

Hi again,

Can anyone recommend a supplier / brand for limewash ?