16th Century Farmhouse Lime Render Restoration In Trowell

When the owner of a 16th century farmhouse in Trowell contacted Eamonn Finnegan Plastering, they needed specialist help with their listed property. The building had a preservation order, meaning any work had to respect the historical construction methods and use appropriate traditional materials. 

The project required sand, cement, and lime render applied using authentic techniques to maintain the building's heritage character.

Understanding Heritage Requirements

Working on listed buildings and properties with preservation orders demands specialist knowledge and experience. Modern materials and techniques simply aren't suitable for these historic structures, as they can trap moisture and cause long term damage to the original fabric of the building.

Our team at Eamonn Finnegan Plastering has experience with traditional lime plastering and rendering, making us the ideal choice for this sensitive restoration project. We understand the importance of using breathable materials that allow historic buildings to function as they were designed to, letting moisture escape naturally through the walls.

Site Preparation & Scaffolding

Before any rendering work could begin, proper access to the farmhouse walls was essential. We arranged for scaffolding to be erected around the building, providing safe working platforms at the correct height for our plasterers to work efficiently.

Scaffolding also allows for consistent application of render across large wall areas without interruption, guaranteeing a uniform finish. The scaffolding was positioned to protect the property and surrounding areas during the work.

Wall Preparation

Preparation is crucial to achieving a lasting render finish. Our team carefully inspected the existing wall surfaces, removing any loose or damaged material that could compromise the adhesion of the new render.

The walls were thoroughly cleaned to remove dirt, algae, and organic growth that had accumulated over the years. Any cracks or damaged areas in the masonry were repaired before rendering commenced.

We dampened the walls before applying the first coat of render. This step is particularly important with lime based renders, as it prevents the substrate from drawing moisture out of the render too quickly, which could cause it to fail.

First Coat Application

The first coat of sand, cement, and lime render was carefully mixed to the correct specification for this historic building. The proportions of each material are critical, achieving the right balance between strength, flexibility, and breathability.

Our plasterers applied the first coat evenly across the prepared walls. This coat provides the foundation for the final finish and must be applied at the correct thickness to provide adequate coverage whilst avoiding excessive weight on the historic structure.

The scratch coat technique was used during application, creating a textured surface that provides a key for the second coat to bond to. This traditional method has been used for centuries and remains the best practice for multi coat render systems.

Curing Time

After applying the first coat, we left it to dry for several days. Lime based renders require longer curing times than modern gypsum plasters, rushing this stage would compromise the final result.

The curing process involves carbonation, where the lime in the render reacts with carbon dioxide from the air to form calcium carbonate. This chemical process gradually hardens the render, creating a durable finish that will protect the building for decades to come.

During the drying period, we protected the work from direct sunlight and rain, as both can interfere with the proper curing of lime render. Too rapid drying can cause cracking, whilst heavy rain can wash lime out of the mix before it has set properly.

Second Coat & Traditional Finish

Once the first coat had sufficiently cured, our team applied the second coat of render. This coat was mixed to a slightly different specification, creating a smoother consistency suitable for the finishing technique.

The second coat was applied with careful attention to achieving an even thickness across the entire surface. Our plasterers worked systematically, building up consistent coverage that would result in a uniform appearance once complete.

Rubbed Up Finish

We finished the render using the traditional rubbed up technique. This authentic finishing method involves working the surface with a float in a circular motion once the render has begun to firm up. The technique brings lime to the surface, creating a slightly polished appearance whilst maintaining texture.

The rubbed up finish is characteristic of historic rendered buildings and provides both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits. The technique compacts the surface layer, improving weather resistance whilst maintaining the breathable properties essential for heritage buildings.

This traditional finish requires skill and timing to execute correctly. Working the render too early results in a rough surface, whilst waiting too long makes it impossible to achieve the desired effect. Our experienced team understands precisely when to begin the rubbing process for optimal results.

Final Curing Period

With the rendering complete, we left the work to cure for several weeks before painting. This extended curing time is essential for lime based renders, as painting too early can seal in moisture and prevent proper carbonation.

The render gradually lightened in colour as it dried and carbonated, indicating the chemical transformation taking place. During this period, we continued to monitor the work, protecting it from adverse weather conditions.

Paint Application

Once fully cured, we prepared to paint the new render. The first step involved applying a coat of stabilising solution. This primer seals the surface, reduces suction, and provides an ideal base for the masonry paint.

The stabilising solution was applied evenly across all rendered areas, giving the surface consistent absorbency. This step is crucial for achieving an even paint finish without patches or colour variation.

Masonry Paint Protection

We applied three coats of masonry paint to complete the project. Masonry paint is specifically formulated for external render, providing weather protection whilst allowing the render to breathe.

Each coat was applied carefully, allowing proper drying time between applications. The first coat provided base coverage, the second built up colour depth and coverage, and the third coat provided the final finish and maximum weather protection.

The multiple coat system provides long term protection against rain, wind and UV damage, extending the life of the render underneath whilst maintaining the traditional appearance appropriate for this 16th century farmhouse.

A Project To Be Proud Of

The completed restoration has returned this historic farmhouse to its former glory. The traditional sand, cement, and lime render applied using authentic techniques respects the building's heritage whilst providing modern weather protection.

The owner now has a properly restored exterior that will protect their listed building for many years whilst maintaining its character and meeting preservation order requirements. 

At Eamonn Finnegan Plastering, we take pride in our ability to work on sensitive heritage projects, combining over 40 years of experience with respect for traditional building methods. 

This Trowell farmhouse restoration is an excellent example of the specialist work we undertake for listed and period properties throughout Nottingham and beyond.