Hello, I've read many of the discussions and found them most informative, but none seem to precisely address my issue.
I have a centuries-old malthouse with thick stone walls, into which I have just put heating. The exterior ground level the other side of the party wall is about 6 inches higher than my floor, but I'm not in a position to do anything about this, for reasons I won't bore you with. There are signs of damp up to about a foot, but nothing too serious; a bit of efflorescence and flaky limewash. A bit of mould higher up.There are a few damp patches in times of excessive rain, including on the cement floor by the wall.
This is not a 'living' area as such, so I don't need it 100% dry, but I do want to put carpet down, and use it for work.
I know that the previous occupant used Nutshell paint in there, but of course I know nothing of what went on the walls before that, and cannot tell from examining the flakes. Question is, in order to guarantee breathability, do I strip the whole lot off? It doesn't come off very easily, except at the bottom, and would be a massive job.
Also, assuming I didn't, do I need to treat the area affected by salt deposits before repainting? I have heard about whiting; is this necessary? How do you use it, if so?
And does anyone have experience of Ecos paints, in Lancashire?
Thanks in anticipation...
Tim
I have a centuries-old malthouse with thick stone walls, into which I have just put heating. The exterior ground level the other side of the party wall is about 6 inches higher than my floor, but I'm not in a position to do anything about this, for reasons I won't bore you with. There are signs of damp up to about a foot, but nothing too serious; a bit of efflorescence and flaky limewash. A bit of mould higher up.There are a few damp patches in times of excessive rain, including on the cement floor by the wall.
This is not a 'living' area as such, so I don't need it 100% dry, but I do want to put carpet down, and use it for work.
I know that the previous occupant used Nutshell paint in there, but of course I know nothing of what went on the walls before that, and cannot tell from examining the flakes. Question is, in order to guarantee breathability, do I strip the whole lot off? It doesn't come off very easily, except at the bottom, and would be a massive job.
Also, assuming I didn't, do I need to treat the area affected by salt deposits before repainting? I have heard about whiting; is this necessary? How do you use it, if so?
And does anyone have experience of Ecos paints, in Lancashire?
Thanks in anticipation...
Tim