First and foremost, the aim of any lime work is to protect and preserve the structure of the property from potential weathering and degradation, whilst allowing the walls to breathe. Many problems that would require my expertise could be penetrative or rising damp, water ingress, poor aesthetics, and degradation of masonry, mortars, plasters and timbers.
The lime plasters and mortars I use are always custom made by myself and tailored to suit the job. Aesthetics and structural requirements would be considered before making a specification for the project. Different finishes and decorative details can be achieved to give you the look and feel you want for your property.
Traditional lime plastering is done by applying three coats of plaster to either stone, brick or lath. The first is haired and scratched, the second unhaired and floated and the third is a top coat to give the desired finish.
Lime rendering is similar to plastering but with more emphasis on weathering and external aesthetics. Typically it also needs three coats, but with a lime wash top coat, which acts as the final brushed finish with pigments in.
In recent years, new and more diverse products are available, giving people more choice with cost, finish, insulation and moisture control. These products include woodwool board, hemp and chalk plasters, insulation products such as wood fibre, cork and sheeps wool.
Roughcasting is the act of throwing a wet coat of coarse plaster at a floated backing coat using a harling trowl. This achieves a rough texture that is then limewashed. We can model new roughcasts to have an aged or weathered look to them.
Lime washing involves mixing lime with water and pigments to create a lime based suspension that is brushed onto a lime plaster or render. This gives added protection and a nice colour.
Pointing removes old, weathered or unsuitable mortar, replacing with a correct mortar and style. This renewal of the lime mortar helps to let the wall breathe, stop water ingress and protects the stone from degradation caused by cement.