One for Ziggy

Or anyone else that knows about lime mortar.

A couple of my mates have been round today, who are roofers and good at their trade. They came to finish some work they'd been doing on my roof.

One of them, the lad I've known and been friends with literally as long as I can remember, declared that my whole house needs re-pointing. I believe him, because he has no reason to lie. However its not his area of expertise and he was talking about grinding out the old mortar and replacing it with new cement. Trouble is, I'm pretty sure I've learnt that if the building was built with lime mortar, then ordinary cement is fatal to it (trapping in moisture and preventing the building from 'breathing').

Am I right?

If I am, how will I make sure I get the right chap to fix it? Where possible I give work to my mates obviously but in this case I think my mates would do more harm than good.

 

If your house is pre-1919 your need a builder who's had training in heritage building. If you google heritage building you should get details. I have lime mortar in my house and have always been advised against modern concrete or cement except for very minor filling jobs.

 

Hi Westwales, just out of curiosity is that a law?? What would happen if someone did work on a pre 1919 house that wasnt heritage trained and messed up and damaged it could they get into trouble or not be able to claim on insurance maybe???
I have not heard this before

 

No I'm sure there's no law about it, heritage builders specialise in the building technology of the era that's all. Some call themselves renovation/restoration specialists as well.

 

You are right Dave, it can be the kiss of death to an old building. Lime mortar is the way to go. I'll have a look for a contractor in your area & get back to you, think you are a little too far for Paladin to come up.

 

The law covers listed buildings but unfortunately not other old buildings unless they are in a conservation area.

If it were listed & work was carried out without listed building consent (which is separate to planning consent) then the contractor would be liable for an unlimited fine and or a year in jail.

Usually, its the cost of putting the work right, but if they have done irrepairable damage, cutting the masonry with a grinder for instance, then they could lay themselves open to a further charge of Historical Vandalism.