Lime render...

[MetManMark]

All

We are starting to save up to have our cement render removed and replaced with lime render. We are likely to have this done next spring but are starting to think about getting some quotes from local builders. Before doing this I would like some guidance regarding what we should stipulate. It is a fairly large semi with a frontage of about 10m and a gable end about the same; the building is about 6m high.

Our regular builder has rerendered his own house in lime ~ 5yrs and it still looks good now.

Any thoughts on materials / techniques / costs etc would be appreciated. The building is listed to we will have to specify everything in the planning permission. We have used Mike Wye before for supplying plaster so will be going there for a quote too.

Happy to look at any other links / threads as no doubt this has been discussed before... Thanks in advance.
Mark

 

[JohnB]

It's more fun, and cheaper, removing the render yourself. If it's anything like mine, much of it will be blown, and almost jump off the wall when you point an SDS drill at it! I've just had to stop doing mine as it started raining!

 

[Lime]

Not a lot to contribute, but make sure your builder does not add any cement to the mix.
Many builders think lime mortar is improved by the addition of cement.
In fact the truth is the complete opposite, the addition of cement is more likely to lead to cracks and fractures in the long term.

 

[robgil]

What did your b uilder paint his house with? I might only look good because it is coated in bubblegum.

 

[MatthewC]

It's more fun, and cheaper, removing the render yourself. If it's anything like mine, much of it will be blown, and almost jump off the wall when you point an SDS drill at it! I've just had to stop doing mine as it started raining!

I did a couple of chimneys a year ago - some render fell off (and was very damp behind) and some was very well attached. Cheaper yes, but fun? Not really.

Make sure you have some good gloves if you do it yourself or else you'll get skinned knuckles.

 

[MetManMark]

Thanks all...

The reason I thought to ask the forum is because some neighbours of ours recently had their render redone. Their builder told them that it was done in lime but I think it was a lime / cement mix as it dried really hard and cracked within 6 months. They also put up a wire mesh before rendering which out builder says is a bad idea because this will rust at some stage and the render is likely to come away from the house.

Our builder limewashed his house after he rendered it. Looks good...

Mark

 

[stuart45]

If the metal lathing is going to rust they must have used the wrong type, not stainless steel for example.

 

[JohnB]

It's more fun, and cheaper, removing the render yourself. If it's anything like mine, much of it will be blown, and almost jump off the wall when you point an SDS drill at it! I've just had to stop doing mine as it started raining!

I did a couple of chimneys a year ago - some render fell off (and was very damp behind) and some was very well attached. Cheaper yes, but fun? Not really.

Oh yes it is. I'm quite enjoying it! The trouble is that I'll soon have to think about scaffolding, and I don't do heights!

 

[Johnboy]

It's more fun, and cheaper, removing the render yourself. If it's anything like mine, much of it will be blown, and almost jump off the wall when you point an SDS drill at it! I've just had to stop doing mine as it started raining!

I did a couple of chimneys a year ago - some render fell off (and was very damp behind) and some was very well attached. Cheaper yes, but fun? Not really.

Make sure you have some good gloves if you do it yourself or else you'll get skinned knuckles.

And good goggles!

 

[JohnB]

And ear defenders, and don't wear your best clothes!

 

[MatthewC]

JohnB - you're learning!

 

[JohnB]

I ought to get my hard hat out too. It's very tempting to reach too far above your head when you see a bit that will come off easily .

 

[Flyfisher]

All
Any thoughts on materials / techniques / costs etc would be appreciated. The building is listed to we will have to specify everything in the planning permission.

Even though you're not planning to do this until next year, I would contact your CO now to discuss things. He/she should be able to give you all the advice you require and you can be confident it will also be acceptable. I would also make the LBC application soon after such a discussion. You'll then have an agreed, written specification of the works against which you can invite quotations.

 

[Zebra]

I ought to get my hard hat out too. It's very tempting to reach too far above your head when you see a bit that will come off easily .

Yes, or to pull a great big lump off all in one go and be stranded up the ladder holding it, unable to let go!!!