29-08-2012, 03:56 PM
Hi Mark, sorting out previous bodges is the worst part, I just tend to rip the lot out and start again, that barn in my pic was just four walls and a collapsed roof when we bought it with an omnia cast floor for the first floor (extreemly strong), as regards to lime, well it's subjective like most things, down here with old buildings brick is a rarity and granite is the norm, a cement mortar is ok with that but the purists will use a lime based mortar, for rendering up old walls I have used cement mortar for the inside and had no problem, I have always done that with a weak mix, I have never rendered an old stone wall externally as I have found that it is a major cause of damp penetration if any cracks should appear as they most certainly will at some point ie: water gets in but can't get out, good luck with the plumbing are you going plastic or copper? The house we are in now is more or less a full refurb job, all the basic stuff is done new roof, new timbers, insulation, plumbing and c/heating, windows, doors etc, in my experience it's the finishing off that takes the real will power and effort, in all the properties we have lived in we never finished them off until we decided to sell them...cash is a wonderful motivator! We are thinking of building a small extension for my radio room I want to do timber frame clad externally with a render backing board then rendered with a polymeric mortar, I am familiar with all the brand names etc but I am wondering if you or anyone else has had any practical experience with this method.
Lawrence.
Lawrence.
