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ASK A QUESTION
Below are some of the most common questions we get asked about damp and the use of lime. If you don't find the answer you are looking for please use the form at the bottom of the page to 'Ask a question'.
How do I know if I need to use lime on my property?
Any property built before 1919 is classed as a 'heritage property' and is likely to have been built using lime mortars and plasters. Modern repairs may have been carried out using cement, gypsom and plasterboard and so it is often difficult to work out the original materials used. The colour of the current material is a good way to ascertain its make up: cement mortar will be grey/black whereas lime has a pale colour, and gypsom plaster will be pink. If you are unsure and would like some advice we are happy to come and assess your property and give recommendations of suitable materials.
Why is lime plastering so expensive?
There are several things that can often mean that lime plastering can be more expensive than using Gypsum. Firstly, the cost of materials is higher; secondly, using lime is far more complex and timly. Several coats may be needed, much of the shaping is done by hand rather than relying on the straight edge of a bead, and lime needs to be looked after between coats meaning more labour time.
We always try to be competitive with our prices, so if you receive a lower quote please do let us know.
Several small areas of damp have appeared in the middle of a plasterboarded wall. The rest of the wall is dry.What is causing this?
From the picture provided it looks like the areas of damp are due to the cold bridge between the plasterboard and its adhesive. The adhesive draws moisture from the external wall which is absorbed by the plasterboard. As the damp patches dry out in warmer weather, they release minerals/salts which in turn draw moisture from the internal environment meaning the plasterboard never truly drys out.
We would recommend removing the plasterboard and plastering directly onto the solid wall with lime. The lime will allow the wall to 'breathe' and won't trap any moisture in the wall, but instead release it.
If rendering in lime, is white limewash my only colour option?
Limewash is a cost effective option however there are downsides. In wet weather it will absorb the mositure and so appear patchy (although will go back to its colour once dry), and it can fade over time.
Luckily there are now other options. We recommend using a breathable silicate masonary paint such as Earthborn - http://earthbornpaints.co.uk/colours/
With 72 colours to pick from there is bound to be something you like.
I've read that you can't use lime render in Winter. Does this mean I have to wait until the summer months to get work done?
As a general rule we don't like to render in temperatures of less than 5 degrees, however, the location of the wall and protection used needs to be considered. If the wall is protected, temperature is not always an issue.
I'm in the process of buying a house and my survey has said I need to install a damp proof course and 'tank' the walls. Is this a suitable solution to any damp issues?
NO. Injection damp proofing doesn't allow the wall to breath and therefore traps any moisture.
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Send your lime related question to info@carringtonlime.co.uk