rubble infill above window (surprised)

[jungle_jim01]

Ive just taken out a window and knocked through to it's original size. I was surprised to discover that the wall has a rubble infill. To the right of the window is the chimney breast but i'd assumed that this wall would be solid. The outer wall is neatly dressed sandstone blocks that you can see around the window opening. The inner wall is supported by a nice old timber (which i've taken the opportunity to treat). Looking up in between the two walls is a mixture of rubble and mortar.

Just wondering if it's likely the rest of the house is like this...i had assumed it was a solid wall. Approx build date is early 1800s. Also does anyone know the advantages/disadvantages of this type of construction?

Thanks...this renovation is stuff is exciting!

 

[Penners]

In my limited experience, that's quite normal, Jim. It's certainly the way that our previous Oxfordshire house was constructed. An outer stone skin, and inner stone skin, with the void in the middle filled with rubble (known, I understand, as "dross").

 

[FamilyWiggs]

Mine's the same. All quite normal.

Ooh - looks like lots of lovely pink gypsum plaster there to get rid of....

 

[another_richard]

Normal building practice for at least 2000 years.

 

[chuckey]

The big advantage of this form of construction is that the rubbish can be swept into the cavity as work progresses including any stones chippings and rejects. The disadvantage is that you can't put in any insulation in the cavity, you get water leaking through, you get woodlice living in the cavity and the weight of the infill tends to bulge the walls. Ah yes!, its a real pain trying to drill a hole right through the wall because the loose infill gets in the way and once the drill penetrates, withdrawing the drill causes more loose infill to drop down and block your new hole. I can see why clear cavities caught on in the civilized world.
Frank

 

[Joiner]

When you're replacing old windows in old properties you brace yourself for the deluge when the old window is removed!

 

[Jill]

Heres a photo of the constructuon of our walls, this was taken when we were putting another window opening in last year. The stone is joined together with earth. This method of construction was ideal for the earthquake in Lincolnshire a couple of years back. The brick garage however, was affected. In my opinion its nothing to worry about, (as long as you go carefull)

 

[MdB]

Heres a photo of the constructuon of our walls, this was taken when we were putting another window opening in last year. The stone is joined together with earth. This method of construction was ideal for the earthquake in Lincolnshire a couple of years back. The brick garage however, was affected. In my opinion its nothing to worry about, (as long as you go carefull)

Our walls are similar to Jills, however the centre of the wall generally lacks the layer of mud/earth and is full of voids... Not great though none have fallen down on us yet.

 

[Penners]

none have fallen down on us yet.

I note the qualification, "on us". Have you lost any neighbours or passers-by?

 

[Schoolmarm]

:lol:

 

[jungle_jim01]

those photos make me feel a lot better!

 

[FamilyWiggs]

Just wondering if it's likely the rest of the house is like this...i had assumed it was a solid wall. Approx build date is early 1800s. Also does anyone know the advantages/disadvantages of this type of construction?

One advantage is that you now know that this type of construction stands for at least 200 years without signs of collapse. My bet is it'll be good for another 200 and then some (and then some after that).

 

[chuckey]

Family Wigg, Er, no, in 2003 three barns fell down within a couple of miles of me. They were all of rock and rubble construction. This caused the farmers great consternation, cos' the roof which was worth £10k as slates was ruined and only fetched £2-3k as bits and pieces.
Frank

 

[FamilyWiggs]

I wonder if those barns were built as well as my house, the OP's house and other posters?

 

[Schoolmarm]

Clearly not. 8)

 

[chuckey]

I think its more to do with the lack of foundations, steep earth slope and an untrussed roof. The alignment of the barn is critical. If the ridge is parallel to the slope, the roof pushes the front (lower slope wall) out and it proceeds on it's own downhill until the roof drops in.
Frank