Lime render & plastering in North Clare

Why old walls need lime

Most older houses in Clare were built with solid stone walls and lime mortar. Those walls were designed to take on moisture in wet weather and dry out again when the weather turns. A hard cement render seals the outside face, so water that gets in through cracks, the ground or the inside of the house has nowhere to go. That's where the damp patches, blown plaster and green staining come from in so many old cottages.

Lime render does the opposite. It's softer and more flexible than cement, it moves with the building, and it lets the wall breathe. On the right building it lasts for generations and can be patched without leaving a scar.

What the job involves

1. Look at the wall first. We check what's on the wall now, where the damp is coming from and whether gutters, ground levels or drainage need sorting before any render goes on. There's no point rendering over a problem.
2. Remove failed render. Where cement render is trapping moisture, we take it off carefully so the stone and joints underneath aren't damaged.
3. Repair and repoint. Loose stones are reset and open joints are filled with lime mortar.
4. Build up the coats. Lime goes on in thin coats, usually a scratch coat, a float coat and a finish, each one left to cure properly. Lime can't be rushed, and it needs protecting from frost, strong sun and driving rain while it sets. We plan the work around the weather.
5. Finish. A lime or mineral wash, or a breathable finish if you want a colour. We'll talk you through the options.

Natural hydraulic lime (NHL)

For most external work in an exposed spot like the Clare coast we use natural hydraulic lime, typically NHL 3.5, which sets harder and handles the weather better than a pure lime putty. The right mix depends on the stone, how exposed the wall is and what's already there, so we decide that on site rather than picking one recipe for every job.

Lime plaster inside

The same thinking applies indoors. Gypsum plaster or plasterboard on the inside of a damp stone wall can hold moisture against it. Lime plaster keeps the wall breathable from both sides and gives the soft, slightly uneven finish that suits an old house.

Protected structures and older buildings

If your house is a protected structure or in an architectural conservation area, the council may have conditions on what can be done to the outside. We're happy to work with your architect or conservation officer and to stick to like-for-like materials.

Can old walls be insulated?

Sometimes, but it has to be done with breathable materials. Standard EWI systems aren't always suitable for solid stone walls. Where insulation is wanted we'll look at breathable options and explain the trade-offs honestly. See our retrofit page and external wall insulation page for more.

Other services

• External wall insulation
• Natural slate roofing
• Extensions & new build
• Fabric-first retrofit
• Photo gallery