Lime Render vs Damp Proof Membrane

AlexGeary

New Member
Hi there, I'm hoping someone can help me with an issue regarding damp in the walls of my flat.

I've got severe damp affecting my external walls in my bedrooms. The cause is known to be the roof and we've already arranged for a new roof, however we need to get the walls resolved too as they are badly affected by salting.

I've had a damp surveyor out and he recommends the complete removal of the existing plaster (I'm fine with this), followed by the installation of a full height damp proof membrane followed by standard plasterboard on top.
We've been told by a building surveyor that lime render would be better for the internal walls and recommends the complete removal of the existing plaster (I'm fine with this), followed by the use of lime render to return the walls to their current state (minus the damp ofc!)

It's my understanding that lime rendering takes a long time to dry, where as a damp proof membrane and standard plaster would be far faster to install. What no one will tell us though, is what the price differential is likely to be? Which solution would be cheaper?

(The approximate area is 3m x 15m)
 
Hi there, I'm hoping someone can help me with an issue regarding damp in the walls of my flat.

I've got severe damp affecting my external walls in my bedrooms. The cause is known to be the roof and we've already arranged for a new roof, however we need to get the walls resolved too as they are badly affected by salting.

I've had a damp surveyor out and he recommends the complete removal of the existing plaster (I'm fine with this), followed by the installation of a full height damp proof membrane followed by standard plasterboard on top.
We've been told by a building surveyor that lime render would be better for the internal walls and recommends the complete removal of the existing plaster (I'm fine with this), followed by the use of lime render to return the walls to their current state (minus the damp ofc!)

It's my understanding that lime rendering takes a long time to dry, where as a damp proof membrane and standard plaster would be far faster to install. What no one will tell us though, is what the price differential is likely to be? Which solution would be cheaper?

(The approximate area is 3m x 15m)


Ha yup,
As you mention salts am I to assume it’s a ground floor flat or is it salts’ washing out from the masonry on a higher floor?

Unless the ‘salts’ are chronic, then it’s replace like-for-like every time, even if cost is a problem for you currently, medium to long term it will be economical than putting the incorrect stuff on the walls which could lead to other problems, especially if it’s on a ground floor.

Also, worth considering a lime-based insulating plaster like eco-cork et al while you’re at it.

Ignore the tanking/membrane ‘advice’, they’re selling you a puppy, wittingly or not. I consult in this stuff, no charge this time.
MOT
 
Hi there, I'm hoping someone can help me with an issue regarding damp in the walls of my flat.

I've got severe damp affecting my external walls in my bedrooms. The cause is known to be the roof and we've already arranged for a new roof, however we need to get the walls resolved too as they are badly affected by salting.

I've had a damp surveyor out and he recommends the complete removal of the existing plaster (I'm fine with this), followed by the installation of a full height damp proof membrane followed by standard plasterboard on top.
We've been told by a building surveyor that lime render would be better for the internal walls and recommends the complete removal of the existing plaster (I'm fine with this), followed by the use of lime render to return the walls to their current state (minus the damp ofc!)

It's my understanding that lime rendering takes a long time to dry, where as a damp proof membrane and standard plaster would be far faster to install. What no one will tell us though, is what the price differential is likely to be? Which solution would be cheaper?

(The approximate area is 3m x 15m)
Forget the membrane. They don’t fix any problems, just cover it up
 
Ha yup,
As you mention salts am I to assume it’s a ground floor flat or is it salts’ washing out from the masonry on a higher floor?

Unless the ‘salts’ are chronic, then it’s replace like-for-like every time, even if cost is a problem for you currently, medium to long term it will be economical than putting the incorrect stuff on the walls which could lead to other problems, especially if it’s on a ground floor.

Also, worth considering a lime-based insulating plaster like eco-cork et al while you’re at it.

Ignore the tanking/membrane ‘advice’, they’re selling you a puppy, wittingly or not. I consult in this stuff, no charge this time.
MOT
What would your recommended system for fixing beads?
 
What would your recommended system for fixing beads?

In what context? As the walls appear to have originally been lime plastered, under what circumstances would you be justifying the specification of boards?
 
What would your recommended system for fixing beads?

Apologies, I thought you said boards.
Reuse original beads if not gone too far (usually tight grained, high quality timber) or consider getting some made.
Obviously there are cheaper ways to do it but I think we’re discussing how to do it appropriately?
 
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