Render question

[paulb33]

Me again. Poking around the gable today.

So, the previous owners hacked off the roughcast render before fixing plastic to the gable. Pictures attached.

Any ideas on what to re-render this with?

Elsewhere, it looks like an early cement render on a metal mesh lattice (imprint can be seen on the timbers), with a top layer of embedded small stones. It appears to have been painted with a yellow/beige chalky paint (perhaps lime wash?). Most of the render that remains elsewhere is fairly sound but now covered in modern weather shield paint.

I spoke with Ty Mawr and they say what's most important is use of a flexible board substrate to allow for movement. They were less clear on the merits of a lime render. I assume breathability isn't a huge issue here. But, movement and frost damage might be. I may also need to render in the winter, which may be a factor when using lime. Most important for me is not having to re-render in 5 years time! It seems I will need to render the entire gable from the second floor to the apex.

Value folks' suggestions on this.

Regards,

Paul

 

[Zebra]

I don't think your pictures came through. I'm not sure what you mean by "fixing plastic to the gable" - what sort of thing do you mean? When you say metal mesh imprint can be seen on the timbers, I take it that the render is off in parts, then? Otherwise you wouldn't be able to see the imprint on the timbers? Is it a timber frame house throughout? Is it only the one gable wall which you are having to re-render?
I've installed woodfibre boards on the timber frame part of my house, a brand that you can't actually get any more, but similar to Heraklith or Diffutherm. With these systems you have to use the proprietary render system that comes with the boards - well, you don't have to, but they are part of a system, which may be why Ty Mawr were reserved about using a standard lime plaster with them. All of the woodfibre systems are breathable, as is woodwool board used as a render carrier. Woodwool is less thermally effective.
I'm happy to share my experience of woodfibre, but as I'm not sure whether this is what you're after, I'll hold off for now. You don't have to use a breathable system. There's a system which a forum member middi recommended to me, and which I know another forum member dans has used - of celotex/kingspan external wall insulation, which is of course not breathable, but keeps the timber warm enough for interstitial condensation not to occur within the frame. I could find the thread if you want.
Clearly if you're re-rendering it is an excellent opportunity to incorporate a thermal layer, if you have the depth at the eaves and can alter the window reveals to allow for the extra depth. I was re-roofing and installing new windows, so could make allowances as needed.
I wouldn't limit your choice of material according to the time of year that you want to do it. I would rather cover the house up with tarpaulins, roofing membrane, ply boards, whatever, and wait until spring, if it enables you to use the materials which the house really needs. I don't see why, whichever system you use, you would be needing to do it again within 5 years! Choose the right system now and you won't have to!
To what extent is movement a real issue in your house? How old is it?

 

[DJH]

Zebra. The pictures of the house are in the duplicate 'Render question' below...

 

[Zebra]

Ah! So I see. Shall we all reconvene over there?

 

[DJH]

Migrate maybe? Do zebra's migrate? I'm sure I've seen them running alongside wildebeest... :lol:

 

[paulb33]

Sorry folks. The site went funny on me and duplicated my post. Can't figure out how to delete this…..

 

[Zebra]

Migrate maybe? Do zebra's migrate? I'm sure I've seen them running alongside wildebeest... :lol:

Oh yes, great friends, wildebeest.

Sorry folks. The site went funny on me and duplicated my post. Can't figure out how to delete this…..

Don't worry. Shall we let this one go off on various tangents, about wildebeest, chickens, model aeroplanes, etc, and concentrate on the other one for the serious matter?

 

[paulb33]

Shall we let this one go off on various tangents, about wildebeest, chickens, model aeroplanes, etc, and concentrate on the other one for the serious matter?

Then I will claim a method in my madness….

 

[Zebra]

Shall we let this one go off on various tangents, about wildebeest, chickens, model aeroplanes, etc, and concentrate on the other one for the serious matter?

Do you know, I had a mad dream last night that I was having an affair with my boss. Last thing I'd want to do! What do you suppose it means?

 

[Flyfisher]

Last thing I'd want to do! What do you suppose it means?

Perhaps it means that the conscious and subconscious you do not always agree on everything. :wink:

Might be an idea not to sit next to him (her?) at the office Christmas do.

 

[LadyArowana]

Shall we let this one go off on various tangents, about wildebeest, chickens, model aeroplanes, etc, and concentrate on the other one for the serious matter?

Do you know, I had a mad dream last night that I was having an affair with my boss. Last thing I'd want to do! What do you suppose it means?

Have you been eating the cheese again? That was the problem last time wasn't it :lol: http://www.periodproperty.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=12914

 

[Zebra]

Perhaps it means that the conscious and subconscious you do not always agree on everything. :wink

I'm sure they don't. I'm sure they're at each other's throats constantly, bickering and whinging at each other like an old married couple. Perhaps that's it. Perhaps the subconscious was getting its own back on the conscious for some petty jibe; accusing it of fancying my boss, like some choldish playground taunt.

 

[DJH]

Cheese? Zebras eat cheese??

 

[LadyArowana]

Cheese? Zebras eat cheese??

Yes, they like this one, http://www.grandma-singletons.co.uk/products/Stripy-Jack-Five-English-County-Cheese.html