Adwen Heritage

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Cornish granite buildings present a unique challenge.In truth, many traditional granite structures in Cornwall ideally n...
12/02/2026

Cornish granite buildings present a unique challenge.

In truth, many traditional granite structures in Cornwall ideally need to be rendered. However, that is a conversation for another time. Where lime pointing is requested, it is essential to think beyond aesthetics and consider water ingress.

The temptation is often to sculpt the lime mortar to exaggerate the lines of the masonry. Ribbon pointing and recessed finishes can appear attractive and crisp. But in Cornwall, with constant exposure to wind driven rain, these finishes can increase the risk of moisture pe*******on.

When mortar is recessed or shaped to create shadow lines, water can sit on ledges, track into joints, and be driven deeper by prevailing weather.

In highly exposed locations, the correct approach is typically a full flush lime point. A flush finish reduces ledges, sheds water more effectively, and protects the joint rather than highlighting it.

Conservation is not about making masonry look attractive. It is about understanding how the building manages moisture and ensuring that interventions support its long term performance.

If you would like advice on lime pointing or granite masonry in Cornwall, we are happy to help.

Why do we still see cement pointing used on traditional Cornish buildings?Granite cottages, stone farmhouses and cob wal...
11/02/2026

Why do we still see cement pointing used on traditional Cornish buildings?

Granite cottages, stone farmhouses and cob walls were built with lime mortar for a reason.

Lime is flexible.
Lime is vapour open.
Lime allows walls to manage moisture.

Cement does the opposite.

Cement mortar is hard and impermeable. It traps moisture in the surrounding stone. In Cornwall’s wind driven rain and coastal exposure, that trapped moisture has nowhere to go.

The result?

• Spalling stone faces
• Blown render
• Internal damp
• Salt damage
• Cracked joints

Traditional solid walls rely on evaporation and capillary drying. When you replace lime with cement, you interrupt that system.

Pointing should be sacrificial. The mortar should weather before the stone does.

That is exactly what lime was designed to do.

If you own a granite, stone or cob property in Cornwall and are considering repointing, make sure the material is compatible with the building.

Harder is not better.
Stronger is not safer.
Breathable and flexible is what protects our heritage.

If you would like advice on lime repointing, feel free to message us.

Why the claim that "lime plaster controls humidity" is only partly true. In many Cornish heritage homes, sash windows ha...
11/02/2026

Why the claim that "lime plaster controls humidity" is only partly true.

In many Cornish heritage homes, sash windows have been sealed, chimneys lined and air leakage reduced. Internal humidity rises, walls become moisture loaded, and lime is expected to fix the problem on its own.

Lime is evaporative. It still needs proper ventilation to work.

We have written a short article explaining why ventilation is almost always overlooked when installing lime plaster in heritage buildings, and why Part F principles still matter.

https://www.adwen.co.uk/why-ventilation-is-almost-always-overlooked-when-installing-lime-plaster-in-heritage-buildings/

Choosing exterior paint is not just about colour. It is about moisture. We often hear the word “breathable”. But what do...
11/02/2026

Choosing exterior paint is not just about colour. It is about moisture. We often hear the word “breathable”. But what does that actually mean?

Many paints qualify as 'breathable' because their Sd value is below 1.0. Yet when you look at the real vapour transmission figures, compared to lime wash and silicate paints, the difference is huge!

Breathable does not always mean compatible.

If you are repainting a traditional Cornwall home, understanding the science matters - read our article to learn more..

https://www.adwen.co.uk/limewash-silicate-or-breathable-masonry-paint/

Evaporating, not breathing!People often say “heritage walls need to breathe”… but walls don’t breathe. They evaporate.Lo...
15/11/2025

Evaporating, not breathing!
People often say “heritage walls need to breathe”… but walls don’t breathe. They evaporate.

Look at the image. The condensation forming on the inside of this door is extreme. This is what happens when a building produces more moisture than it can release. The surfaces become so cold and humid that water simply can’t evaporate fast enough.

Lime plasters and renders help moisture move through a wall, but they only work properly when the home has adequate ventilation. Without airflow, even a fully lime-based system becomes overwhelmed.

This is especially true in Cornwall, where many traditional cottages have 500–600 mm solid stone walls. These walls can hold a huge amount of moisture, but they also dry very slowly. When vents are blocked, chimneys sealed and windows upgraded without maintaining air movement, condensation, damp and mould quickly take over.

So no, old walls aren’t “breathing.”
They’re evaporating.
And without ventilation, evaporation simply stops.

At Adwen Heritage, we use a fabric-first approach to diagnose and resolve moisture problems in traditional homes. If your property is showing signs like this, we can help.

A small fault can cause huge problems.A broken gutter allowed water to cascade down this wall for several weeks unnotice...
30/10/2025

A small fault can cause huge problems.
A broken gutter allowed water to cascade down this wall for several weeks unnoticed, until the internal plaster began to blister. This happens when moisture carries salts through the masonry; as the wall dries, the salts crystallise at the surface and push the plaster or paint away.

Regular maintenance prevents costly repairs.
When was the last time you had your gutters cleaned and checked?

Bag Rub Lime Render – A Cost-Effective Traditional FinishAt Adwen Heritage, we specialise in traditional bag rub lime re...
17/08/2025

Bag Rub Lime Render – A Cost-Effective Traditional Finish
At Adwen Heritage, we specialise in traditional bag rub lime render, a technique that protects porous granite while allowing the building to breathe.

This finish is ideal for Cornish granite homes, providing a cost-effective protective layer that reduces weathering without hiding the natural beauty of the underlying stone. The bag rub technique enhances the character of the masonry while ensuring your building remains breathable, durable, and sympathetic to its heritage.

If you’d like to discuss whether bag rub lime render is the right choice for your property, we’d be happy to advise.

📞 Contact us today to request a free quotation.

22/06/2025

Removing modern paint from historic stonework is a delicate process that requires experience, patience, and the right methods.

Inappropriate paint traps moisture and prevents the stone from breathing, often accelerating decay beneath the surface. In many cases, we find that the stone is significantly softened or damaged underneath.

At Adwen Heritage, we carefully assess the substrate, identify the type of paint, and use sympathetic removal techniques to protect the integrity of the original stone. No harsh chemicals, no abrasive blasting—just considered conservation in action.

If you own or managing a listed property or period building and need advice, we're happy to help.

Preserving the past with craftsmanship and care—across Cornwall and beyond.

The Truth About Wall Sealers on Traditional Stone BuildingsIf you’re trying to stop damp in a granite cottage or other h...
07/06/2025

The Truth About Wall Sealers on Traditional Stone Buildings

If you’re trying to stop damp in a granite cottage or other heritage building, you’ve probably come across all sorts of advice — much of it contradictory.

Are wall sealers bad? Do “breathable” waterproofers actually work? Should you coat your stone at all?

Let’s clear up the confusion. The article below explores the facts about sealers, waterproof coatings, and their real impact on traditional stonework — including what English Heritage and science actually say.

https://www.adwen.co.uk/the-truth-about-wall-sealers-and-waterproof-coatings-on-traditional-stone/

Natural Paints for Historic Buildings: Why Your Paint Choice Matters More Than You ThinkIf you own or care for an older ...
07/06/2025

Natural Paints for Historic Buildings: Why Your Paint Choice Matters More Than You Think

If you own or care for an older property in Cornwall, don’t let modern paint ruin traditional materials. Natural paints aren't just an eco-friendly trend — they’re essential for the health and longevity of heritage buildings.

In places built with granite, cob, and lime, using the wrong paint can trap moisture and cause costly damage. This short read explains why breathable, heritage-appropriate paints make all the difference — and what to use instead of acrylics and vinyls.

https://www.adwen.co.uk/natural-paints-for-historic-buildings-a-heritage-sensitive-approach/

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