General Advice

[user256]

I'm in the process of purchasing a solid stone wall cottage in Scotland dating to the early 1700s. Seems to have been extended about 20-25 years ago at the same time the internal walls were strapped with plasterboard (and hopefully nothing else).

It comes with the usual damp issues. These seem to be derived from poor maintenance of roof slates, gutters, too high ground level outside and the fact that until recently the front of the house was basically blocked by trees/bushes and vegetation. Called out a damp proofer for some advice who wants to inject a dpc layer and to strap waterproof cavity membranes over the internal masonry. From reading here and elsewhere sounds like one to avoid.

Total amateur noob here so any advice welcome, and especially as this relates to:
* lowering ground level/French drain/zebcolm trench
* aerogel floor insulation
* algae on walls
* external paint/render

 

[housewinnie]

Yep fix the roof slates and gutters lower the ground level and heat and ventilate it and live in it for 6 months then see where your at.

 

[user256]

Thanks Housewinnie, that's more or less the plan though there are a few things I'm going to need to deal with / mask initially. Have a small child and elderly parents in the same house so keen to get the place slightly warmer, deal with any mould and such so thinking some kind of biowash on the internal plaster (though unsure about what i should be doing with the exterior walls). Likewise with solid floors I'm keen to try and limit heat loss where I can - I need to recarpet anyway so thought I might try aerogel or some other form of floor insulation.