Embracing Breathability: Restoring Period Homes with Natural Wall Coverings

When it comes to preserving the charm and character of period homes, the materials we choose for renovations and redecoration are crucial. While modern advancements like double glazing and draft excluders offer energy efficiency, they can inadvertently hinder a home’s natural ability to "breathe." This is where breathable wall coverings, such as lime and clay plaster, as well as breathable insulation and paints all come into play.

The Importance of Breathability

Period homes, built long before the advent of modern insulation techniques, were designed with natural materials that allowed for moisture regulation. These homes "breathe" by allowing moisture to evaporate, maintaining a balance of humidity and air quality. When we seal these homes to increase energy efficiency and stop draughts with impermeable materials, we can trap moisture, leading to problems like damp, mould, and structural damage.

In our quest for improved indoor air quality, extractor fans are often heralded as the go-to solution for ventilation issues. While they certainly have their place, they might not be the miracle fix many homeowners believe them to be. In fact, when it comes to quickly and effectively reducing humidity and refreshing stale air, opening a window for just two minutes can provide significantly greater benefits.

Why Extractor Fans Fall Short:

1. Limited Air Exchange: Extractor fans are designed to remove air from a specific area, such as kitchens and bathrooms. However, they often lack the capacity to create a sufficient flow of fresh air from outside, leading to a stagnant indoor environment.

   
   

2. Energy Consumption: Running an extractor fan continuously can lead to increased energy bills. In contrast, cracking a window for a couple of minutes not only avoids unnecessary electricity costs but also allows for a quick and efficient airflow, bringing in fresh air without any additional energy expenditure.

   
   

3. Humidity Control: Extractor fans can help remove excess moisture during activities like cooking or showering, but their effectiveness is limited. For optimal humidity control, a brief window opening can rapidly expel humid air and bring in drier air, providing a more immediate and effective solution.

   
   

4. Air Quality Compromise: Depending on the outdoor air quality, using an extractor fan may inadvertently draw in pollutants from nearby sources. A window can be opened strategically to ensure fresh air is brought in when conditions are right, allowing homeowners to control their environment better.

While extractor fans have their utility (mainly for passing building regs...) they are not a replacement for the simple act of opening a window. For homeowners looking to maintain air quality in their period properties, embracing the most basic ventilation methods like cracking a window can offer immediate benefits with minimal effort. By blending this with traditional practices, you can create a harmonious living space that truly breathes.

The Role of Breathable Wall Coverings

1. Lime Plaster

Lime plaster is a traditional material that offers numerous benefits for period properties. Here’s why it’s an excellent choice:

• Moisture Regulation: Lime plaster can absorb and release moisture, helping to manage humidity levels within the home. This is especially beneficial in older properties that may have fluctuating moisture levels.

  
  

• Flexibility and Breathability: Unlike modern cement-based plasters, lime plaster is more flexible and allows for breathability. It doesn’t trap moisture behind its surface, reducing the risk of mould and decay.

  
  

• Sustainability: Lime is a natural material with a low environmental impact, making it an eco-friendly choice for renovations.

2. Clay Plaster

Clay plaster is another fantastic option for maintaining breathability in period homes:

• Natural Properties: Clay is naturally hygroscopic, meaning it can absorb moisture from the air and release it as conditions change. This helps maintain a comfortable indoor environment.

  
  

• Aesthetic Appeal: Clay plasters come in a variety of textures and colours, adding a unique, rustic charm to any room.

  
  

• Low VOC Emissions: Unlike many modern paints and finishes, clay plasters are free from volatile organic compounds (VOCs), promoting healthier indoor air quality.

3. Breathable Insulation and Boards

In addition to finishing coats, consider what goes beneath your breathable wall coverings. These materials applied over multiple coats of multi-finish or modern plasterboards might look great, but the most of the benefits will be reduced significantly, or even lost entirely.

• Lime base coat: Unfortunately, the manufacturers of clay plasters often do not specify the material that they should be applied to for maximum benefit. They will say to apply it to a "plastered wall". This leads contractors to reasonably assume that applying them to modern gypsum based multi-finish is okay - which it is in theory - but a lot of the benefits will be lost.

  
  

• Breathable insulation: There are made from natural materials like cellulose or wood fibres and offer an excellent alternative to traditional insulation methods. These boards not only provide effective thermal regulation but also allow moisture to escape, helping to prevent issues like dampness and mould.

  
  

• Wood fibre boards: These are a fantastic substitute for standard plasterboard. They provide excellent insulation, soundproofing, and breathability while adding a natural aesthetic to interiors. By using these materials, homeowners can maintain the character of their period homes while enhancing comfort and energy efficiency.

Savolit boards are a good alternative to plasterboard sheets when "dot and dab" is required to level out a wall. We think they would also make a beautiful finish for a wall (see middle image) - please contact us immediately if you are willing to consider this as a wall finish on a project!

Balancing Modern and Traditional Solutions

While it's essential to maintain the breathability of your period home, modern upgrades like double glazing and draft excluders can enhance comfort and energy efficiency.

Here’s how to strike a balance:

• Waterproofing requirements: Lets accept that if you need an area to be waterproof, it will likely not be able to be breathable as well. Most of us can not afford a specialist Tadelakt finish (which also requires periodic maintenance). So instead, we can look to offset this unbreathable area by keeping other external walls in that room breathable - and where possible, add ventilation or open windows regularly.

  
  

• Selective Draft Proofing: When using draft excluders, ensure that you maintain some airflow. Use them in a way that allows for natural ventilation without sealing off the entire house.

  
  

• Regular Maintenance: Keep an eye on your home’s condition, checking for any signs of trapped moisture or dampness. Regular maintenance will help prevent larger issues down the line.

  
  

On this project we created a large breathable wall by stripping back to brick, fixing Savolit wood wool boards, lime base coat and clay plaster finish - this was to offset the "wet area" which was microcement for its low maintenance and long lasting qualities.

Conclusion

Incorporating breathable wall coverings like lime and clay plaster into your period home not only helps maintain its historic integrity but also enhances indoor air quality and comfort. As we embrace modern solutions, it’s vital to remember the lessons of the past. By prioritising breathability and using natural materials, we can create homes that are not only beautiful and functional but also healthy and sustainable. Embrace the charm of your period home while ensuring it remains a comfortable sanctuary for you and for those to come.