Book Description

Around the UK, a variety of earth-walling construction methods and practices have been developed over many centuries depending on the characteristics of the subsoils and on local traditions. Since the 1980s there has been a resurgence of interest in these techniques in order to ensure appropriate repairs for maintenance and extension of existing buildings. There is also a growing interest in earth-walling construction methods and practices for new build as a means of reducing the environmental impact of building and of employing more sustainable and natural building methods.

This Good Repair Guide focuses on inspection of existing earth, clay and chalk walls and the use of traditional repair methods to rectify defects. The need to avoid cement/sand renders on earth walls is emphasised. 8 pages.

Contents:
Earth-walling techniques
- Cob, cleam, clob or clom, whitchert, clay dabbins and mud wall
- Clay-lump (adobe)
- Wattle and daub, mud and stud
- Rammed earth, pisé-de-terre or pisé
- Earth blocks
- Turf sods
Inspection
- Foundations
- Plinth
- Rendering
- Internal plaster
- Walls
- Chimneys
- Dampness
- Timbers
- Roof
Repair
- Foundations
- Plinth
- Walls
- Timber
- Plasters and renders
References and further reading