Hello. I am new on this platform. I am hoping for some advice on a small renovation project.
I have recently acquired a stone cottage built in around 1750-80 with thick (90cm) walls. The inside had been plastered and thenboarded out with assorted studs and boards over the years which I have removed leaving the bare stone walls. They are built with an earth mortar originally lime pointed. Externally there is now cement based pointing and internally the pointing is falling away!
My current thoughts are to replace the external pointing with a lime based product, probably a hot lime mix. Internally I am less clear. My builder has suggested lime pointing and then a liquid tanking compound. This then followed by stud and board with a finish applied. I am a little concerned about the dew point and condensation/water behind the stud/plaster work. Even the best vapour control barrier will, I believe have gaps through which moisture could penetrate.
Pointed stone left bare is an option. But I am mindful of the need to have electrical sockets which will be difficult with stone.
The use of breathable insulation and boards with a breathable plaster finish is also an option. I would be happy to have some of the stone visible above a certain level if this looks aesthetically pleasing. I would also consider a lime based plaster finish if this can be achieved with a reasonable cost.
An air heat and moisture exchange system might mitigate against vapour build up?
The floor needs to be replaced. This will be insulated and probably have underfloor heating installed. With a DPC.
Any advice would be gratefully received. I apologise if I have asked the wrong questions!
I have recently acquired a stone cottage built in around 1750-80 with thick (90cm) walls. The inside had been plastered and thenboarded out with assorted studs and boards over the years which I have removed leaving the bare stone walls. They are built with an earth mortar originally lime pointed. Externally there is now cement based pointing and internally the pointing is falling away!
My current thoughts are to replace the external pointing with a lime based product, probably a hot lime mix. Internally I am less clear. My builder has suggested lime pointing and then a liquid tanking compound. This then followed by stud and board with a finish applied. I am a little concerned about the dew point and condensation/water behind the stud/plaster work. Even the best vapour control barrier will, I believe have gaps through which moisture could penetrate.
Pointed stone left bare is an option. But I am mindful of the need to have electrical sockets which will be difficult with stone.
The use of breathable insulation and boards with a breathable plaster finish is also an option. I would be happy to have some of the stone visible above a certain level if this looks aesthetically pleasing. I would also consider a lime based plaster finish if this can be achieved with a reasonable cost.
An air heat and moisture exchange system might mitigate against vapour build up?
The floor needs to be replaced. This will be insulated and probably have underfloor heating installed. With a DPC.
Any advice would be gratefully received. I apologise if I have asked the wrong questions!