Lime plaster and render

[Bluesky32]

I wonder if anyone has any advice on using lime. We are renovating a 200 year old brick cottage and we have stripped back our internal walls to the brick after removing layers of plaster and cement! Our builder has recommended using a pva coating and plaster to combat any exisitng damp (the damp is mostly condensation and a leaking chimney which needs repointing) where as I was advised by our damp and timber surveyor that it would be better to use lime to allow the walls to 'breathe'? Also if we do use lime how do we find out the best mix to use for both the plaster and the external pointing? Should I look to use a specialist plasterer? So many question!

 

[Flyfisher]

I would ask your builder how pva and modern plaster can possibly help solve condensation of air-borne moisture and damp caused by a leaking chimney because I don't understand how it could help. I do understand that your builder might feel comfortable about pva and modern plaster though as both are standard for modern houses - but that's not what you're dealing with. The leaking chimney problem obviously needs to be fixed, whereupon the damp from that source will disappear anyway, and condensation can often be managed by improving ventilation.

I'd be inclined to take more notice of your damp and timber surveyor than your builder in this instance.

 

[Keithj]

I would stay clear of stuff that blocks damp (such as PVA and cement) until you know where the damp is coming from and the best way for it to either get out, or not get in.

Specialist lime people will know what to do. I know some good ones (and some rather less good ones ) in Suffolk.

 

[TheForge]

I would echo the above, materials that allow the walls to breathe must surely be preferable to those that might trap moisture. Obviously the primary aim should first be to find and combat the sources of the damp in the chimney etc before attempting to replaster.

As for the plastering/pointing itself theres plenty of info on the forum regarding various mixes. If you are looking to get in a specialist ensure they are genuinely experienced with 'proper' lime mortars and plasters and won't just add lime to a cement or gypsum mix. Equally don't expect a specialist to be cheap! I would reckon at least upwards of £60 a square meter.

You don't mention where abouts in the country you are, but if you are in the Somerset, Devon, Dorset area I can recommend some exceptional local craftspeople.

 

[MatthewC]

Our builder has recommended using a pva coating and plaster to combat any existing damp (the damp is mostly condensation and a leaking chimney which needs repointing)

Noooooo! You need a new builder if he thinks that. A good question to ask your builder (or any DPC surveyor) is whether their recommendation would be any different if your house was built in 1970 or 1770? If not, they don't know or care about old buildings.

You will need to use lime plaster - a 3:1 mix is normal for the scratch and float coats, and 3:2 plaster for the surface, and yes, you need a plasterer who has experience of lime plaster. You must avoid all this modern stuff on a old building as all you will do is to chase the SYMPTOMS of damp around the house; tackle the actual CAUSES of damp and then wait to see the effect of that before you do anything else.

I agree with all of the above comments and would add that I bought a very damp property last October which has now dried out because we (a) repaired the roof and leadwork, (b) replaced all the gutters and downpipes, (c) removed all the damp plaster and cement screed on walls, and replastered, and (d) lowered the ground level where it was close to or above the floor level inside. See my blog for more details; I can recommend people near Oxford.

Matthew
http://houseintheenchantedforest.blogspot.com/

 

[Bluesky32]

Thanks again for the advice, I think I will use a specialist plasterer rather than the builder for the plastering side of the renovation. The house is in East Yorkshire and I am really struggling to find specialist plasterers in this area. Is there anywhere that has a list of plasterers that specialise in lime?

 

[Schoolmarm]

http://www.restoration-services.uk.com/lime_rendering/index_lime_rendering.html


Or we know them as Braith Construction, are really lovely and might travel to you.

 

[biffvernon]

The house is in East Yorkshire and I am really struggling to find specialist plasterers in this area.

DIY and you'll be an expert by the time you get to the fourth wall

 

[Moo]

you'll be an expert by the time you get to the fourth wall.

By which time you'll be able to remove the L-plate stuff and go round it again.

 

[Penners]

http://www.restoration-services.uk.com/lime_rendering/index_lime_rendering.html


Or we know them as Braith Construction, are really lovely and might travel to you.

What? Travel from Lancashire to Yorkshire?

Are you mad?!

 

[Schoolmarm]

Well it did say East Yorkshire :?

 

[rocky12345]

lime render & lime plastering should only be carried out by time served tradesmen.( specialists) we used a company called extance renovations & preservations. to do our listed farm house, and have no problems. here is his number if required. 07792589995.

 

[worms]

lime render & lime plastering should only be carried out by time served tradesmen.( specialists) we used a company called extance renovations & preservations. to do our listed farm house, and have no problems. here is his number if required. 07792589995.

I would recommend that the OP be suspicious of crude adverts , unless supported by evidence from trusted sources. And I don't subscribe to the suggestion that we should always rush to "time served tradesmen" rather than giving DIY a bash!

On a forum like this you can also weigh up whether to listen to someone like Biff, with over 5,000 posts or someone like Rocky 12345, with 4 posts!

 

[Schoolmarm]

lime render & lime plastering should only be carried out by time served tradesmen.( specialists) we used a company called extance renovations & preservations. to do our listed farm house, and have no problems. here is his number if required. 07792589995.

Hmmmmmm HE is that company!!

 

[Penners]

I don't subscribe to the suggestion that we should always rush to "time served tradesmen"

Me neither - in fact I think I would feel more comfortable with a tradesman that hasn't served time. :shock:

 

[LadyArowana]

I don't subscribe to the suggestion that we should always rush to "time served tradesmen"

Me neither - in fact I think I would feel more comfortable with a tradesman that hasn't served time. :shock:

I found out after our apartment renovation that the builders second in command had done a considerable stretch at Her Maj's pleasure for almost killing someone! He was a lovely chap though and it was apparently a drunken brawl situation, not a beating an old lady over the head for her handbag type attack. Since I served tea and biscuits at snack time there was never any risk of a repeat performance, even when our incredibly rude building manager would drop in to be annoying.

On the topic of tea/ biscuits and their use in the performance of various home projects I have a question which I hope as an acknowledged expert on the subject you might be able to answer. In July I have to visit the warehouse of our shipping and storage company to select some items for delivery. Apparently they will assign someone to work with me and help identify the boxes. I anticipate it will take about half a day and therefore cover at least one tea break. My thought was that I should take a supply of nice edibles for them. I know kit-kats are highly recommended for the assessment phase of any DIY project, what would you suggest for warehouse visiting?

 

[worms]

LadyA,

In matters of royal protocol such as this, there are often local customs which need to be taken into account. I would suggest that any average minor dignitary could come armed with Kitkats and to reflect your status you need to take the occasion onto a higher plane. Around here I would recommend freshly baked fruit scones, with home-made jam, but there may be a more appropriate local equivalent where you are.

And please mention my name to the warehousemen in case I ever have to use them in the future!

 

[LadyArowana]

Around here I would recommend freshly baked fruit scones, with home-made jam, but there may be a more appropriate local equivalent where you are.

And please mention my name to the warehousemen in case I ever have to use them in the future!

The warehouse is apparently in somewhere called "Essex". My research suggests that to blend in with the locals I should have a rather nasty orange spray tan and get some skimpy clothes but nothing relevant on the tea break food customs.

 

[worms]

The warehouse is apparently in somewhere called "Essex".

Good God, woman! Do you have no standards?

 

[AMc]

The warehouse is apparently in somewhere called "Essex". My research suggests that to blend in with the locals I should have a rather nasty orange spray tan and get some skimpy clothes but nothing relevant on the tea break food customs.

There is nothing wrong with Essex. I spent the years 1976-1984 there and have nothing but fond memories of riding my bike and playing dangerously on building sites after hours.

I've googled "Essex biscuits" for you and found no major local manufacturers so I suggest you go with a chocolate hobnob (milk or plain).