Recent content by GilesMDavis

Great, thanks

Thanks to a couple of fine days, the render is re-done. Could anyone tell me how long I should leave it before painting - I've read a few things about taping cling film to it to make sure it's dry but I was wondering if there's a reasonable length of time. Also, would I need to use a...

1John, there speaks a man from Wales :lol:

Just come back, I think I've got the proportions clear now! Thanks for all your help - I didn't see the replies properly earlier, hence my slightly odd previous post. Bloody typical but rain's forecast tomorrow, might save me hosing it... I'll let you know how I get on Cheers

Some members on another thread pointed out that I should clarify it's an old, thick stone building, not modern. (Without a DPC, I'm pretty sure) In an ideal world it would be lime rendered to let it breathe but it isn't - too expensive/difficult I assume. So I have a nicely exposed and...

I like the sound of the French drain, John, I think that's even within my capabilities. I could also use some pea gravel on top and it might even look ok - which is not par for the course for me! RH2, thanks for the clarification on the render - it's like learning a new language (yes, I even...

Interestingly I'm already posted up there ( //www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=246370 ) and that was a suggestion from earlier today. The friendly builder never mentioned it, so I might just follow his advice. I think a previous owner moved away from lime render, too...

That's genius. I'm also looking into adding some external waterproofing to the paintwork. Should be nice and dry once we're done. Thanks again for the ideas.

Hi there, the stonework actually looks fine. Behind the blown render the dusty bits were quite crumbly and looked dry. I guess he was talking about the dampness already in there. (The interior side is prone to mildew). One point is that the render is really quite thin - not much more than...

That sounds like a top idea - I'd never heard of a gravel board before. I have no idea how deep the beds are but I suspect they are not huge. They support a wisteria (lovely but grows like mad) and a few tulips (much less hassle!). I might dig down to see the depth then I could slide in...

Thanks for the advice. I think there isn't a DPC in this bit of the house - it's rather ancient - 3ft thick stone walls. Hence it's prone to mildew inside. The bed's not huge - about 2m along the wall by 60cm out. There's then a concrete path. Could I add an air gap by putting something...

Right, I was clearing some blown render from the outside of the house (old stone-built) and that got me thinking about the damp wall. We have a flower bed against the wall, no idea how long it's been there - we've only lived here 18 months. As far as I can see there's no barrier between...

Hi there, first post and I'll make it quick. A patch of render on the outside of the house has blown. A friendly builder advised that I should remove all the loose render, brush it out, let the stone dry out and put on 4:1 sand cement mortar. I've got the loose stuff out but am not...