Render Thoughts

[paulb33]

What a find! I thought it would be roughcast, I think that would look better than flat. Looks like perhaps your windows were white as well!!! I can't comment much on the render as I really don't know enough. Logically I'd have thought that if the bricks are hard and vitrified and the mortar used is cement, then cement render would be ok. If the bricks are softer and more porous and the mortar used is lime, then lime would be better as water that may get in through small cracks in the render will be able to evaporate out through the render.

Just seeing this thread and may have missed something relevant. But, why do you want to use lime? It probably was an early cement render. Our 1901 is grade II listed with cement render. No particular advantages to lime for your house - only aesthetic and perhaps flexibility on movement?

The render is a key element in these Edwardian buildings. Sadly, inappropriate repairs and painting do so much to harm the aesthetic of these interesting buildings. That and uPVC has done so much to discredit this period of architecture. On this subject, there's an article here you might find interesting:

http://www.buildingconservation.com/articles/pebbledash/pebbledash.htm

Oh, I was also surprised to find that our walls were cavity. The survey said solid. It was only when I drilled a hole and tried (failed) to feed through a TV aerial cable that I discovered the double skin. I was forced to get a much longer drill bit.... :shock:

Very interested to read your updates. We have a similar journey to make with our render repairs and uPVC replacement.

 

[parkview094]

Just seeing this thread and may have missed something relevant. But, why do you want to use lime? It probably was an early cement render....

...On this subject, there's an article here you might find interesting:

http://www.buildingconservation.com/articles/pebbledash/pebbledash.htm

Very interested to read your updates. We have a similar journey to make with our render repairs and uPVC replacement.

Ooh - a most interesting read indeed - thank you! I think we were venturing down the Lime route based on the thinking we had solid walls and also the "expert" opinion of -ahem- Lime render specialists.

So it looks like a complete potential u-turn for us with a cement roughcast being a contender again. We've got to go back to planning anyhow, so can probably lump this in to the same application. Think I'll get the drill out this weekend and do some further investigation. I'm assuming if I lose drill resistance before the bit appears outside, we must have a cavity?

If you're interested in our (very slow) progress - we have a blog here: http://oakleigh.gowans.org

 

[paulb33]

Thanks for sharing your interesting blog. You have a very handsome arts and crafts house. With a little work, it can really sing again.

To my eye, the house sits well in the site. Why do you need a garage? Personally, I would avoid crowding the plot with extensions and instead spend the money on carefully repairing the render and reinstating the windows. Then buy some lovely period antiques to set the whole house off. But, that's me showing my bias.. ;-)

If the extension/garage is important to you, then I would avoid pastiche. To my mind, a functional, modern box to one side would have integrity and sit better with the house than something that takes cues from the local period architecture. You may also find the planners more receptive to that approach.

Just my twopenneth.

Paul