Roof Adventures and Lime Plastering.

The cottage recently had some roof work done, thanks to Matt and family.  A process of laying lead in the valley of the roof peaks, so that water can't get into the attic and house.

Fancy roof!

The lime plastering has begun in the front bedroom, meaning we are starting to have walls again.  After re-pointing the loose brick and wetting the wall thoroughly, Matt applied the first layer of plaster.  

Lime putty!

Mix lime putty and sand to make plaster.
The plaster goes on about 10mm thick and Matt was careful to keep misting the plaster so that it doesn't dry to quickly.  If the plaster drys out too fast it could crumble and fall away from the wall.  After a day Matt scored the first coat, giving the second layer something to key into.

Right there between the corner and window! New plaster! Woohoo!
The second layer is also about 10mm thick, but meant to be very flat.  This layer is scored in a swirly pattern in preparation for the final coat.  

The third layer is a very thin skim coat, made with a finer grain of sand and a higher ratio of lime putty to sand, to give a smooth appearance, as opposed to the coarser bottom layers with sharp sand and hair.  

The plaster is left to slowly dry and eventually we will paint it with a special, breathable paint, like lime-wash or clay paints.  So that the plaster can continue to work, by letting moisture escape the house.

I also have an update on the hidden fireplace from the back bedroom, there was literally a skeleton in the wall.  Matt has removed the extra bricks and cleared out a space.

- Nicole