which render?

[Liz Fry]

we have finally had our fireplace rebuilt and am in the process of sourcing some flags for the hearth prior to the guy coming back to fit the stove. The only bit we have to do before he comes back is render the alcove that the wood burning stove is going to sit in.

Can anyone advise on the most appropriate render mix that we should be using? Our cottage is made up of an old stone half and a new (30yr old) extension on the other side. The chimney now falls into the middle of the house (not on external wall) and is built out of stone.

Any suggestions would be appreciated

many thanks

Liz

 

[FamilyWiggs]

<nudge>

 

[biffvernon]

Earth. Remove a spade's spit of topsoil and use whatever is below. Mix with plenty of chopped straw and water and slap it on, smoothing to tase with brickie's trowel.

If you did not invest in Iceland and still have a few penies left you could buy a bag of hydrated lime and chuck some of that into the mix.

 

[DaveBrigg]

Wouldn't there be a fire risk involved in lining a chimney alcove with a mixture containing straw?

 

[Nemesis]

Doesn't combustion require oxygen or some such?

 

[biffvernon]

Wouldn't there be a fire risk involved in lining a chimney alcove with a mixture containing straw?

No. It's earth with a bit of straw binder, not thatch

 

[FamilyWiggs]

A thatched chimney - now there's an idea. Wonder why they never caught on?

(cue Penners!)