Is Lime plaster truly neccessary & what cost?
Hi all
The surveyor of our late Victorian/early Edwardian house has suggested we only use lime plaster when we renovate.
We are trying to work out our budget right now and I have no idea how much to include for this, versus normal plastering.
The surveying company are known for their expertise in older houses and their ethos is very much to keep the property as it was originally.
My questions is what is the worst that can happen if we go with normal modern plastering? I have seen it time and again in renovations and wondering if it is truly neccessary?
Thank you all for any advice you may have :)
Comments (6)
minnie101
5 years agoI agree with OnePlan, old houses were built so moisture could evaporate, if you use a modern plaster you will be sealing that moisture in ( we have a few issues). Expect to pay at least double for lime plaster and remember to use breathable paint too. I would also try and find someone whom specialises in lime plaster
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User
5 years agoAgreeing with the ladies above. I'm sure your surveyor has weighed this up very carefully as there are many factors affecting the decision.
For instance..........has the house had a damp proof course injected since it was built? If so, then you shouldn't incur the damp in the first place. People now have central heating, which, also keeps the walls dry. BUT................
Is the exterior rendered? and if so, what with? If it's been done with lime then you would still use lime inside so that the walls breathe. If rendered with lime outside, then damp can still get inside due to it's make-up. If not rendered, water could still penetrate the bricks if they're damaged / decaying or the pointing isn't perfect. Central heating would help keep it dry inside but it can't be used as a fail safe, neither could the damp proof course. You just get water trapped in the walls., and if it can't breathe it will cause damp.
Basically, it's a mine field with old houses and I think you're probably best to listen to the expert. Pugster 2018
Original Author5 years agoThanks everyone :)
No render on the outside, just york stone and then a solid brick wall.
I think we need to figure out what will need doing and how much it'll cost.Jonathan
5 years agoI think it merits further research.
This is not my specialty but I thought the main place lime render had a benefit was on external rendering to allow the house to breathe and internally it made little difference on brick walls ( especially it the main house is elevated from ground level by a cellar).
Rose Williams
5 years agoInteresting post. My house is 40's construction and the interior rendering does look lime based, very tough stuff, with a modern plaster finish. The entire exterior was rendered/dashed in the early 90's along with vents in the exterior walls being covered up. By the time I bought it, the inside walls had been dripping wet and a battle to recover the situation.
If you have been advised in your particular house/construction to use "breathable" lime plaster... please do so!
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