Services › Lime & heritage work
Lime Rendering & Heritage Plastering in North Devon
Traditional lime, cob and stone work for old and listed buildings. We’ve been lime rendering for over 25 years.
Old and listed building specialists
North Devon has a wealth of cob, stone and older solid-walled buildings, and they need different treatment from modern houses. Traditional lime methods have seen a real revival over the past 30 years, and lime has been a focus for Red Sky – it’s work we genuinely enjoy. We’ve been lime rendering for over 25 years.
All our lime products are sourced locally.
See a recent example: a lime renovation, inside and out, on an old railway cottage in Instow, and a five-month lime and eco-cork renovation in Welcombe.
Lime is one of two sides to damp proofing: traditional, breathable lime renders and mortars for older solid walls, and modern methods such as silicone injection, tanking and structural waterproofing. Read about both approaches to damp proofing →
Recent work
What we do
- Removing old sand and cement render and replacing it with traditional lime
- External lime rendering, including lime finishes on cob and stone
- Internal lime plastering and lime render
- Lime plaster on plasterboard, matching new work into existing period walls and ceilings
- Cob and stone repairs and rebuilding
- Repairs using traditional lime mortars
- Work on historic and listed buildings
Why lime matters on old buildings
Cob and solid stone walls were built to let moisture in and out. Cement render and gypsum plaster seal the surface, so water gets trapped behind them. That leads to damp patches, crumbling plaster and – on cob – real damage to the wall. Lime is softer, flexible and breathable, so the wall can dry out naturally. Swapping failed cement for lime is often the best long-term fix for damp in an older home.
Frequently asked questions
Is my building listed?
You can check on the National Heritage List for England (Historic England). If it is listed, alterations such as changing the render may need listed building consent from the local council.
Which lime do you use?
The type of lime is chosen to suit the wall and how exposed it is.
Can lime work be done all year round?
Lime must be protected from frost and from drying too fast while it cures, so external lime work is best planned for the milder months. We’ll advise on timing for your job.
Get a free quote
Tell Julian a little about the job – where it is in North Devon, what needs doing and roughly how big it is. Photos help a lot. All our quotes are free. Call 07881 688372 (mobile) or 01271 314623 (landline), WhatsApp, or send the details online.