Working on Grade II listed buildings is always a privilege, and our recent project on Byron’s Lane in Langley, Macclesfield, was no exception. This stunning property in the heart of Cheshire deserved a meticulous restoration, staying true to traditional methods while adhering to listed building consent requirements. Here’s how we carefully replaced inappropriate materials with lime plaster, restoring this historic building to its former glory.
The project began with the removal of sand and cement render. While these modern materials are durable, they are unsuitable for historic buildings like this one in Langley. Sand and cement trap moisture, which can damage the underlying structure. By stripping these materials, we allowed the building to breathe again—essential for maintaining the integrity of older properties.
We installed traditional laths to reinforce the internal timber frames. These were essential for creating a secure key for the lime plaster. Laths were added where original sections were broken and repaired where necessary, ensuring an authentic, stable base for the plaster.
In areas with restricted airflow, such as certain internal walls, we introduced wood wool boards. While these boards do not increase airflow, they simplify the carbonation process, rather than requiring airflow behind for the nibs only one side needs to carbonate. This technique sped up the process while maintaining the building’s breathability.
The base coat of lime plaster was initially applied using Ty-Mawr Cheshire Lime mixed with cow hair, a traditional, high-quality mortar. Midway through the project, we transitioned to a pre-fibered lime mortar from Chalk Down Lime to improve efficiency. This switch allowed us to maintain the authenticity of the finish while working more quickly, ensuring the project stayed on schedule.
Most areas of the property required a three-coat system to achieve the desired thickness and durability. However, in areas with less depth, a two-coat system was sufficient. The final skim coats, sourced from Ty-Mawr and Chalk Down Lime, delivered a smooth and breathable finish that complemented the building’s historic character.
For a property like this one in Langley, Macclesfield, lime plaster is the ideal choice. Its breathability prevents trapped moisture, safeguarding the building’s structure and allowing it to adapt to seasonal changes. By combining traditional techniques with modern lime products, we ensured the work was both historically accurate and efficient.
This project in Langley showcases our commitment to preserving Cheshire’s architectural heritage. Every step of the restoration adhered to listed building consent requirements and respected the property’s historic features. The result is a beautifully restored building that reflects the craftsmanship of the past while standing strong for the future.
If you own a listed building in Macclesfield, Langley, or elsewhere in Cheshire and need expert lime plastering services, Ayres Plastering is here to help. Contact us to discuss your project and let us bring your historic property back to life.
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