Filling gaps around windows and between timbers

[debrabarsby]

Has anyone used Hemp to fill gaps between old and new oak beams and around windows were they meet a timber frame?? I have been advised by my Heritage inspector to use just hemp but i have found no feedback? Any advice would be gratefully received i am desperately trying to seal the cottage before the weather changes. Cheers

 

[FamilyWiggs]

What kind of hemp? I have some gaps that would also be suitable - never thought of this. Much better than the money section of the Daily Telegraph!

 

[robgil]

try a plumbers merchants , or a dodgy looking geezer parked outside the local park in a loud ford escort cabriolet with gold rimmed sun glasses.

 

[Me!]

I guess he means oakum rather than natural untreated hemp. This article says Daub, lime mortar or oakum (ship’s caulking) are useful for closing gaps that may develop around panel edges in timber-framed buildings. It claims to be written by the technical secretary of SPAB, but I have not checked this out.

 

[biffvernon]

Tell him you just want the old stalks and that you don't need the leaves and buds. You could get a good deal.

Hemp is a good material for this sort of job and the lime mortar used to finish the gap-filling job will bond to it effectively.