Another slightly related question. I'd sworn off old houses but it's the only one we've seen that seems to fit the bill in every other way. It's 1920s which I think means it should have a cavity wall. Are houses of this age less fussy about breathability than solid wall construction/Victorian? I'm thinking if we need to skim, or replace render, can it be gypsum/cement without a huge risk of causing issues?
I don't think it's had cavity wall insulation, but are there any other pitfalls to consider in terms of causes of damp?
All of the other houses on the street are a similar style, and have stretcher bond walls (where they are not rendered down to the ground) - that suggests most likely cavity.
The render can be covering up all sorts of problems though.
Another slightly related question. I'd sworn off old houses but it's the only one we've seen that seems to fit the bill in every other way. It's 1920s which I think means it should have a cavity wall. Are houses of this age less fussy about breathability than solid wall construction/Victorian? I'm thinking if we need to skim, or replace render, can it be gypsum/cement without a huge risk of causing issues?
I don't think it's had cavity wall insulation, but are there any other pitfalls to consider in terms of causes of damp?
This is the facade if it says anything.