Lime plastering and render

Old properties need a different sort of tradesperson

Old properties require a different sort of tradesperson: one with a love for old buildings and an understanding of how they work and what materials to use.

When dealing with period properties and listed buildings, it is vital to find someone with an understanding of traditional building methods and materials. Most modern tradespeople have no understanding of how these buildings work and will recommend solutions that will do more harm than good.

Sustainability

Compared to modern materials, the traditional ones are far more sustainable. Materials like lime, hemp and clay becoming the norm in modern construction would revolutionise the industry.

Breathability

Your walls need to be able to let moisture pass freely through them. Sealing them will trap the moisture in the walls and exaggerate the damp issues. If your walls are working perfectly there should be minimal need for ventilation or heating.

Insulation

Replastering or rendering is the perfect opportunity to add insulation to your home. Hemp and perlite are two examples with amazing insulating qualities; there's no need to add modern insulation without the ability to breathe.

Solid walls

Using the wrong materials reduces your wall's ability to evaporate moisture correctly, trapping it in the walls. Damp walls are colder, unsightly and prone to mould. Be cautious when dealing with damp specialists and look into the products they are trying to sell you: it might be possible to cover a problem up, but there is no guarantee that it won't return, and it could magnify the costs involved with putting it right later down the line.

Materials

Lime plaster and lime render, with hemp or perlite where insulation is wanted.

Avoid on solid walls

Cement / gypsum products
Plastic / resin products
Tanking
Sealants
Injection DPC
Damp-proof paints