Services

I specialise in the repair and restoration of listed buildings and period properties South East Cornwall and the Plymouth area.  I will only use appropriate materials and techniques and will always try to help you to do what's best for your property. Please contact me to arrange a site visit and estimate or if you require help or advice with any of the following services:

Lime Pointing

The use of inappropriate cement mortars to point traditional stone buildings can have an extremely damaging effect on the both the face of the stone and the structure as a whole. Pointing with cement, which will generally be harder than the surrounding stone, can trap water. Prolonged exposure often results in dramatic damage to the face of the stone and trapped water can penetrate deeper into the structure and cause damp to display on interior surfaces.

Traditional lime pointing functions as a point of release for any moisture that may enter the stone on exposure to the weather. It should be softer than the surrounding stone.

For pointing I usually use NHL2 or NHL3.5 natural hydraulic lime mortar.

Lime Plastering

Prior to the development of modern gypsum plaster almost all interior walls would have been finished with some form of lime plaster. Lime based plasters are breathable and help to regulate moisture by absorbing and releasing water vapour. Gypsum plasters cement renders and tanking slurry, often used to hold back damp, may prevent the walls from ever drying out. Constantly damp walls take a long time to warm up and can lead to structural problems if not addressed. Gypsum based plaster coatings on cold, damp walls will be prone to condensation and mold which can cause health problems.

For interior plastering I use coarse haired mortar as a backing with a fine lime putty top coat plaster.

Lime Rendering

Modern cement renders work on the principle of keeping moisture out of the building by providing a hard, impermeable surface coating. Old buildings are prone to movement over time and cement render can eventually crack and let moisture in. This can lead to damp problems inside the building.

Lime Render provides a durable, breathable finish. It was the usual form of protective render in the UK until the 20th century. A popular traditional form of render in Cornwall is a ‘bag rub’. This a thin sponged finish, halfway between pointing and a full render. It provides protection, but retains the natural texture of the stone.

For rendering I usually use NHL3.5 natural hydraulic lime mortar.

Decorative Finishes

I offer a comprehensive interior and exterior decorating service to compliment my use of traditional building techniques and materials. Wherever possible I use products low in Volatile Organic Compounds that have minimal environmental impact and allow the fabric of a building to breathe as it should.

These include:

  • Natural limewash.

  • Earthborn Clay Paints. Clay based emulsions with a distinctive matt finish.

  • Beeck Mineral Silicate Paint is a German product which has been extensively used throughout Europe for over 100 years. It forms a chemical bond with the substrate, rather than simply coating it and is highly breathable, durable and has excellent water repellent properties. Beeck manufacture mineral silicate paints for both exterior (Beeckosil, Renosil) and interior (Maxil Pro).

Conservation & Repair

Often applying new lime finish will reveal bigger issues which will need to be addressed. Sometimes these problems will not be apparent until work is underway but it is best to deal with them properly at the time.

Repairs I have carried out on listed properties include:

  • Repairing and rebuilding cob and stone walls.

  • Replacing rotten lintels.

  • Repairing or replacing guttering and downpipes.

  • Digging and laying French drains.

  • Replacing chimney pots.

Eco Plasters & Insulation

I am sometimes asked to use specific products which are more environmentally friendly than traditional lime based materials.

These include:

I am happy to discuss a client's specific requirements and recommend a suitable system based on my experience of these products.