Insulating very old property

Exfarmer · Nov 24, 2023

Have friend renovating cottage dated as first constructed 1450
he is rather in thrall to the historic buildings experts
tells me today that his new windows will be single glazed
further they are stripping out the walls and they will be lime plastered over the original Lathe and plaster.
I asked him about the heating as it has no mains gas.
This will be oil and rads obviously none of the original open fires
I said what about condensation
he has been persauded this will not be an issue with the lime mortar as it will absorb it
what do others think?

Ffermer Bach · Nov 24, 2023

I would be inclined to speak to Tymawr lime in brecon, they have great ideas and advice.

Ffermer Bach · Nov 24, 2023

Maybe lime mortar, breathable external wall insulation (cork), with a lime render

Exfarmer · Nov 24, 2023

Ffermer Bach said:
Maybe lime mortar, breathable external wall insulation (cork), with a lime render

No question of any insulation it has to be true to its Tudor?roots . But of course they had open fires

Kidds · Nov 24, 2023

Why would there be enough condensation for it to be an issue? Are the walls particularly thin?
Yes, lime mortar would absorb it.
No I wouldn't buy a listed building.

Lincs Lass · Nov 24, 2023

My place is 1650 ,,it aquired a G2 listing back in 1978 when the roof caved in and then the powers that be stuck their noses in and dictated what it must and couldnt have .
Its got single glazed wooden sash windows and external doors that have a good air circulation .
Its had various agas and rayburns on different fuels in the last 80 years ,present one is multifuel and its god send ,
the loft has got at least 300mm of insulation ,the walls though are solid stone and the plaster is very hollow in many places ,its only the paper thats keeps it upright .
Active open fire in one living room ,the other has got one but its boarded up as there's a big radiator in it and that's quite sufficient .
Its very cozey .

Still Farming · Nov 24, 2023

Sounds like if that old going to be listed,historical or preservation orders on it, so check and double check firstly whatever before anything is touched.

Lincs Lass · Nov 24, 2023

Still Farming said:
Sounds like if that old going to be listed,historical or preservation orders on it, so check and double check firstly whatever before anything is touched.

Its strange how listed buildings accidently go up in smoke when planning applications get rejected

Ffermer Bach · Nov 24, 2023

Exfarmer said:
No question of any insulation it has to be true to its Tudor?roots . But of course they had open fires

Insulate inside instead, exactly the same principle and insulation.

Exfarmer · Nov 24, 2023

Ffermer Bach said:
Insulate inside instead, exactly the same principle and insulation.

Apparently no insulation of any sort is to be allowed

Lincs Lass · Nov 24, 2023

Exfarmer said:
Apparently no insulation of any sort is to be allowed

Surely to get it an EPC rating it will have to come up to modern standards

Exfarmer · Nov 24, 2023

Lincs Lass said:
Surely to get it an EPC rating it will have to come up to modern standards

Apparently not in this historic property

Still Farming · Nov 24, 2023

Lincs Lass said:
Surely to get it an EPC rating it will have to come up to modern standards

Impossible unless LA or Historic group allow sheeps wool ,straw erc type stuff possibly??

milkloss · Nov 24, 2023

Exfarmer said:
tells me today that his new windows will be single glazed

That's a bit bonkers. Can get some very slim double glaze now..... admittedly the panes tend to blow easily but still worth the effort imo.

farmerm · Nov 24, 2023

Exfarmer said:
Apparently no insulation of any sort is to be allowed

The c u ^ t who decided that should be locked in an industrial freezer in nothing but their pants whilst they reconsider that decision.

Forkdriver · Nov 24, 2023

Lime mortar and plaster should allow moisture to pass through to the outside if the house is heated.
When we were renovating our Grade 2 farm house the heritage officer of the local council was inflexible, impractical and lacking sense. A failed planning officer with a chip
I wouldn't take on another listed property.

Forkdriver · Nov 24, 2023

Any glazing has to be in period glass. No double glazing or replacement windows, only repairs.

farmerm · Nov 24, 2023

Forkdriver said:
Lime mortar and plaster should allow moisture to pass through to the outside if the house is heated.
When we were renovating our Grade 2 farm house the heritage officer of the local council was inflexible, impractical and lacking sense. A failed planning officer with a chip
I wouldn't take on another listed property.

Sounds like industrial freezer in his pants wouldn't be enough for him... add in a polar bear.

SilliamWhale · Nov 24, 2023

Exfarmer said:
Have friend renovating cottage dated as first constructed 1450
he is rather in thrall to the historic buildings experts
tells me today that his new windows will be single glazed
further they are stripping out the walls and they will be lime plastered over the original Lathe and plaster.
I asked him about the heating as it has no mains gas.
This will be oil and rads obviously none of the original open fires
I said what about condensation
he has been persauded this will not be an issue with the lime mortar as it will absorb it
what do others think?

Shouldn't get condensation if he can get ventilation. Ideally trickle vents in windows if allowed. Then it's all about using kero to keep all the walls warm. Won't be cheap to run but best way to keep an old property functioning in old style

Radio · Nov 24, 2023

Our house Georgian had roof and sash windows listed. Put double glazing in and have got away with it as they have to object within 7 years. The take photos occasionally from off the road and as we put in similar design, you can’t tell the difference. Only difference is a warmer house and a reduced heating bill.

Insulating very old property

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