letting walls breath

[Bron]

I have been a visitor to this site for some time and found it extremely useful - and now feel ready to start asking questions of my own!

We are curing the damp in our house - converted stable (badly converted) and are tackling the external wall covering - cement wash (term used by local builder) and very plasticky paint.
When the stable was converted it was extended and filled between existing buildings therefore we have old brickwork and newer brickwork. The old brickwork has the the cement wash and paint and the newer brickwork seemingly just paint,
We are removing the loose cracked bits but wonder then what to do.
If we clad over the brickwork once free of loose covering (this is in an courtyard area) would we simply be sealing in the moisture again. We wonder whether the gap between the cladding and the existing wall would be enough to let the air in and moisture out.
All thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

[Carol]

Welcome to the forum!

Sounds like you are doing the right thing, what sort of final finish do you want? Brick can be limewashed which would give you some weather protection or you could have it rendered if you wanted a more consistent finish. Both are breathable. What did you propose to clad with?

I expect more expert fora folk will have lots more ideas. They are probably outside working while it is not pouring with rain!

 

[Pford75]

Assuming it is not listed and you have free choice of finishes....I would lean towards a lime render finish. Old and new brickwork will always look exactly that, even when limewashed....whereas a lime render would enable a more uniform facade....but as Carol mentions, it's really a question of personal taste and the finish you are seeking to acheive.

Does the conversion have any DPC (chemical or physical)?

 

[Bron]

Thanks for that. No property is not listed and realise that personal choice comes in but don't want to do anything ie cladding that will make damp worse or not improve. Lime render is our other choice.
Thanks for your thoughts.