[DRAFT project write-up – awaiting Julian’s approval before going live]
This was a full lime renovation, inside and out, on an old railway cottage in Instow.
The problem
At some point in the past, the cottage had been re-rendered with sand and cement. After decades on the wall, that render had failed, and the cottage had damp problems.
Why sand and cement fails on old solid walls
Older cottages like this have solid walls with no cavity. They were built to take on some moisture and let it dry out again through the surface. Sand and cement render is hard and much less breathable, so it traps moisture in the wall behind it. Over time that trapped water shows up as damp inside, and the render itself cracks and comes away from the wall – which lets in even more water.
Our recommendation
Our recommendation was lime mortar, inside and out – we’ve been lime rendering for over 25 years. Lime is breathable and slightly flexible, so it works with an old solid wall rather than against it. Using it on both faces of the wall means moisture can move through and escape in either direction, the way the building was designed to work.
The result
The lime work cured the damp problems, and the walls can breathe again.
Thinking about lime for your home?
If your older home has cement render and damp problems, lime may be the answer. Read more about our lime and heritage work and our damp proofing, or get in touch for a free quote.
Related: Lime & heritage work · Damp proofing · Rendering · Contact