Internal Insulation Kerry and Cork

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W.A.W.C. Limecrete Specialists Kerry Cork Limerick

Limecrete Specialists

W.A.W.C. Limecrete Specialists in Kerry Cork
Limecrete floors may well be the right option for your old building or renovation, but before you go ahead there’s a few things you need to know, says sustainable building experts.

Old buildings allow moisture to be absorbed by the fabric of the building and evaporate away naturally. This is what we call a ‘breathable’ fabric.

Breathability can be important when it comes to floors in old buildings, as they often consist of stone floors laid directly on the earth. In its original situation any moisture below the floor could rise to the floor surface to evaporate away with no detriment.

If we then install a concrete insulated floor with a dampproof membrane (DPM), any moisture below the floor will continue to rise and, as the floor is now impermeable, may get pushed to the walls where it could appear as damp spots. It is this that gives rise to the idea of a breathable floor and where limecrete comes to the rescue for old building owners.

Limecrete

Limecrete is a mix of natural hydraulic lime and sharp sand or glass fibers are mixed in to give a more durable surface.

Once the limecrete has been installed, any breathable floor finishing material can be used to finish.

Thermal Efficiency

The low thermal conductivity of earth floors mean that they provide good thermal mass. They are capable of absorbing heat and releasing it when the internal temperature drops. When the earth is reasonably dry, the ground under the building will maintain a fairly stable temperature of around 10°C year round. But that is not enough to meet modern standards of thermal efficiency and potential heat loss, so some form of insulation and, perhaps ironically, a moisture barrier, is needed. Standard insulation materials are not breathable, so cannot be used, neither can a traditional DPM.

Recycled Foam Glass as an Insulator

The default option is recycled foam glass – small foamed glass beads used as the base to limecrete (rather than hardcore) – that provides both the insulation and the moisture barrier, although a breathable moisture barrier can also be used.

There is another reason why recycled foam glass may be used. Achieving true breathability is always tricky and lime is a more tricky material to work with than cement. It needs mixing in a different way, and needs different laying and curing methods.

Laying limecrete in cold or wet weather conditions can be problematic and the usual hardcore base will also be a problem. Hardcore allows capillary action that could draw up ground moisture. As a breathable floor cannot have a traditional DPM, that moisture could penetrate the limecrete and cause damp problems. There are not many non-capillary substrate materials available, which is why foamed glass beads have become the default option.

Any Floor Finishes Can Be Used

Any breathable floor finishing material will be fine. If stone, slate or tiles are used then the grout gap needs to be a little wider than usual and the adhesive must also be breathable. Wood is the most favourable and presents no problems.

Limecrete in All Old Homes

Limecrete ability to deal with naturally occurring moisture. It has nothing to do with air moving in and out of the house. A modern house, built to modern standards, will be able to deal with moisture, without the trouble and expense of breathable construction.

Geocell foam glass is now widely used under concrete construction in new builds, with a separate LABC approved systems.

When it comes to old properties with stone floors laid directly on the earth, there is an argument that these are breathable floors and if you are replacing them, then there is a need for limecrete. There are two problems with this argument:

  • The stone making up the floor may or may not be breathable. Slate, for instance, is not a breathable material and was commonly used as flooring. Any ‘breathing’ (i.e. moisture dispersal) can only be through the joints between the slate slabs. The implication is that if we laid a concrete floor but left sufficient gaps around the edges, that too would be breathable.
  • If we have a breathable floor, by implication at least, we will also need breathable wall.

The problem facing people converting old buildings is how to bring them to modern standards of comfort and meet the ever-growing demands for CO2 reduction while retaining the character of the original building.

A limecrete floor, laid on foamed glass, is seen as one way of helping with this problem. It prevents damp penetration, provides insulation, maintains breath ability and provides a solid, durable floor, in character with the original building. But it is an expensive option using materials that are tricky to work with, and not necessary as often as might be imagined.

House Restoration West Cork

Construction Services in County Cork

W.A.W.C. in Cork.

W.A.W.C. Restoration & Building Services in Cork. Quality building of Extensions, Attic Conversions, New Builds and Full Renovations in Ireland. We Provide Building Services & Tradesmen for Construction in Cork. Building Restoration Specialists.

Contact Micheal on 087 3143-767 email wildatlanticwayconstruction@gmail.com

Log Cabin Construction Firies

W.A.W.C. in Cork Log Cabin – Custom Build Construction We specialise in construction from foundation to handing over the keys including Site Layout, Sewers, Groundwork, Blockwork, Foundation construction, Installation of windows and doors, Roofing, electrical, plumbing, Insulation, plastering, Painting to sewer or installation of a septic system and Final Snag List. What every is needed we do

Brickwork Blockwork Stonework Contractors

Brickwork Contractors, Blockwork Contractors , Stonework Contractors W.A.W.C. specialise in Brickwork, Blockwork, Terracotta, Stonework, Promonta, Porotherm, Blockwork and Brickwork Contractors in Cork.

Chimney Repairs, Chimney Relining, Re-Building

W.A.W.C. have extensive experience and solved many chimney problems such as smoke problems and downdraught / updraught issues,chimney cracking and other such complaints. Clients of ours have often been given many different solutions by other chimney repair services or builders, but we were the only company who could solve their problems as we have the knowledge from nearly 20 years experience in this line of business alone. Chimney relining as-well  as offer the following services. The replacement of the chimney capping. Repair or replacement of the lead flashing that provides a seal between the chimney and the…

Restoration and Lime Render Plastering

“An Tigin Gra” Ballydevlin, Goleen, Cork Restoration and Lime Render Plastering Specialists and Traditional Stone Masonry Contractors W.A.W.C. is a company working with Lime Mortars for over 20 years. We have the experience of working with lime mortar. We use Natural Lime’s renders in our mortars, so whether your project is domestic or commercial, we have a package to suit your needs. With our combined experience of lime mortars together with our extensive masonry training, we offer an unbeatable service which is transferred directly to our work. We sustain consistently high quality mortars using the best ingredients…

Roofing Contractor

W.A.W.C. Roofing in Cork. W.A.W.C. have been roofers for over 20 years. We specialise in re-roofing and natural slate roofing work, tiling and slating of new roofs which include natural slate, fibre cement, concrete and clay tile. We are contractors for lead work for chimneys and valleys, fitting of Velux windows and general roof maintenance. We are specially suited to re-roofing and extensions. We supply an excellent, quality and reliable roofing service for Ireland. Ensuring your peace of mind a keen and competitive pricing. Contact us for quotations which will be tailored…

Chimney Rebuilds | Chimney Relining

Chimneys Repairs & Rebuilds in Cork and Limerick W.A.W.C. Roofing Specialists offer chimney reconstruction, block or brick chimney repairs, partial chimney rebuilds, roofing repair and chimney rebuilds, and chimney rebuilds. Cracking, water leaking, element exposure, usage, time, and lack of maintenance can render your chimney structurally weakness, resulting in the need for chimney repairs or chimney rebuild. At W.A.W.C. Roofing we specialise in chimney rebuild include set-up scaffolding, tear down and disposal, as well as reconstruction of your existing chimney. The most common chimney problems are: Partial chimney rebuilds: A small chimneys…

We are W.A.W.C. a building services provider covering Stonework, Lime Render Plasterers, Blockwork, Chimney Repairs/Chimney Relining, Brickwork, Brick Paving and Restoration Contractor in Cork.

Lime Render plastering across Ireland

House Restoration West Cork
An tigin Gra House Restoration West Cork

W.A.W.C. Lime Render plastering is a company dedicated to the traditional method of lime Plastering. We are the leading lime plastering company on the island of Ireland, working in all corners of the country from Kerry to Limerick, Cork, Galway, Donegal and across to Dublin, Kildare and Kilkenny even Waterford and delivering  our projects on time and within Budget.

All our work is carried out to the highest building standards. We are one of the few companies in Ireland to use Natural Lime for the traditional method of plastering including Lime Plastering, Lime Washing, Hemp Lime Plastering, Lime Pointing and Remmers Breathable insulation system.

Guaranteed Irish. We are a 100% Irish owned and run company who buy the best Irish Owned Products namely Natural Hydraulic Limes from Round Tower based in Innishannon Co. Cork, Ireland. We buy work products from local Irish owned businesses. Helping the economy in Ireland.

Kiltallagh National School Lime Mortar Pointed Wall Finished

Construction Services in Kerry

W.A.W.C. in Kerry.

W.A.W.C. Restoration & Building Services in Kerry. Quality building of Extensions, Attic Conversions, New Builds and Full Renovations in Ireland. We Provide Building Services & Tradesmen for Construction in Kerry. Building Restoration Specialists.

Contact Micheal on 087 3143-767 email wildatlanticwayconstruction@gmail.com

Log Cabin Construction Firies

W.A.W.C. in Kerry Log Cabin – Custom Build Construction We specialise in construction from foundation to handing over the keys including Site Layout, Sewers, Groundwork, Blockwork, Foundation construction, Installation of windows and doors, Roofing, electrical, plumbing, Insulation, plastering, Painting to sewer or installation of a septic system and Final Snag List. What every is needed we do

Brickwork Blockwork Stonework Contractors

Brickwork Contractors, Blockwork Contractors , Stonework Contractors W.A.W.C. specialise in Brickwork, Blockwork, Terracotta, Stonework, Promonta, Porotherm, Blockwork and Brickwork Contractors in both Kerry.

Chimney Repairs, Chimney Relining, Re-Building

W.A.W.C. have extensive experience and solved many chimney problems such as smoke problems and downdraught / updraught issues,chimney cracking and other such complaints. Clients of ours have often been given many different solutions by other chimney repair services or builders, but we were the only company who could solve their problems as we have the knowledge from nearly 20 years experience in this line of business alone. Chimney relining as-well  as offer the following services. The replacement of the chimney capping. Repair or replacement of the lead flashing that provides a seal between the chimney and the…

Restoration and Lime Render Plastering

“An Tigin Gra” Ballydevlin, Goleen, Cork Restoration and Lime Render Plastering Specialists and Traditional Stone Masonry Contractors W.A.W.C. is a company working with Lime Mortars for over 20 years. We have the experience of working with lime mortar. We use Natural Lime’s renders in our mortars, so whether your project is domestic or commercial, we have a package to suit your needs. With our combined experience of lime mortars together with our extensive masonry training, we offer an unbeatable service which is transferred directly to our work. We sustain consistently high quality mortars using the best ingredients…

Roofing Contractor

W.A.W.C. Roofing in Kerry. W.A.W.C. have been roofers for over 20 years. We specialise in re-roofing and natural slate roofing work, tiling and slating of new roofs which include natural slate, fibre cement, concrete and clay tile. We are contractors for lead work for chimneys and valleys, fitting of Velux windows and general roof maintenance. We are specially suited to re-roofing and extensions. We supply an excellent, quality and reliable roofing service for Ireland. Ensuring your peace of mind a keen and competitive pricing. Contact us for quotations which will be tailored…

Chimney Rebuilds | Chimney Relining

Chimneys Repairs & Rebuilds in Kerry and Limerick W.A.W.C. Roofing Specialists offer chimney reconstruction, block or brick chimney repairs, partial chimney rebuilds, roofing repair and chimney rebuilds, and chimney rebuilds. Cracking, water leaking, element exposure, usage, time, and lack of maintenance can render your chimney structurally weakness, resulting in the need for chimney repairs or chimney rebuild. At W.A.W.C. Roofing we specialise in chimney rebuild include set-up scaffolding, tear down and disposal, as well as reconstruction of your existing chimney. The most common chimney problems are: Partial chimney rebuilds: A small chimneys…

We are W.A.W.C. a building services provider covering Stonework, Lime Render Plasterers, Blockwork, Chimney Repairs/Chimney Relining, Brickwork, Brick Paving and Restoration Contractor in Kerry.

Lime Render plastering across Ireland

House Restoration West Cork
An tigin Gra House Restoration West Cork

W.A.W.C. Lime Render plastering is a company dedicated to the traditional method of lime Plastering. We are the leading lime plastering company on the island of Ireland, working in all corners of the country from Kerry to Limerick, Cork, Galway, Donegal and across to Dublin, Kildare and Kilkenny even Waterford and delivering  our projects on time and within Budget.

All our work is carried out to the highest building standards. We are one of the few companies in Ireland to use Natural Lime for the traditional method of plastering including Lime Plastering, Lime Washing, Hemp Lime Plastering, Lime Pointing and Remmers Breathable insulation system.

Guaranteed Irish. We are a 100% Irish owned and run company who buy the best Irish Owned Products namely Natural Hydraulic Limes from Round Tower based in Innishannon Co. Cork, Ireland. We buy work products from local Irish owned businesses. Helping the economy in Ireland.

Log Cabin Construction Kerry Cork

Log Cabin Construction in Firies

W.A.W.C. in Kerry and Cork Log Cabin – Custom Build Construction

We specialise in construction from foundation to handing over the keys including

Site Layout, Sewers, Groundwork, Blockwork, Foundation construction, Installation of windows and doors, Roofing, electrical, plumbing, Insulation, plastering, Painting to sewer or installation of a septic system and Final Snag List.

What every is needed we do

 

 

Chimney Repair in Kerry and Cork Limerick

Chimney Repairs, Chimney Relining, Re-Building

W.A.W.C. have extensive experience and solved many chimney problems such as smoke problems and downdraught / updraught issues,chimney cracking and other such complaints. Clients of ours have often been given many different solutions by other chimney repair services or builders, but we were the only company who could solve their problems as we have the knowledge from nearly 20 years experience in this line of business alone. Chimney relining as-well  as offer the following services.

  • The replacement of the chimney capping.
  • Repair or replacement of the lead flashing that provides a seal between the chimney and the roof surface. Failure or cracking of the lead can allow water inside the property.
  • The fitting of smoke cowls which can enhance the draw obtained from the chimney.
  • The re-pointing of brick chimneys.
  • Restoration of old chimneys.
  • Removal of chimney stack and the subsequent making good of the roof.
  • Design and relocation of chimney breast.
  • Enlargement of fire opening.

Chimney Re-lining and lining

At some stage throughout the lifetime of your home, you will have to re-line or install lining in your chimney flue chamber. This is because the traditional clay liners have a maximum lifetime of between 25 to 40 years. The burning of wetter fuels such as turf or damp timber will influence this lifetime, also incidences of fire which can occur at any stage or other influences such as moisture/water intake will influence the life of the clay liners.

Chimney fires / fire hazards.

A damaged or badly constructed chimney flue chamber is a serious fire and a fire safety cert on nationwidefiresafety.ie. You and your family are at risk due to noxious fumes, carbon monoxide or fire. A properly functioning flue chamber is essential for optimum burning conditions.

Chimney Construction and Re-Installation

We are a construction company and have had to rebuild chimney’s or knock and re-build as a result of a chimney fire, combination of chimney fires or badly constructed housing standards prior or during building boom.

Stoves, Ranges, Fire Surrounds, Fireplaces

The correct installation of any range or stove is important. We are regularly coming across damage as a result of incorrectly installed stoves and ranges.

Chimney Maintenance and Cleaning

Frequently maintain your chimney as build up of soot and other deposits during the process of burning fuels may leave your chimney open to chimney fires leading to flue liner damage and structural damage to the entire chimney.