RED MILL REEDHAM REMOVAL OF CEMENT RENDER AND REPLACE WITH LIME

Red Mill was originally known as Reedham Ferry drainage mill which was built in the

1840s with common sails to drive a single scoop wheel and was brought to wind with

a tail pole. In the 1890’s the millwrights England, modernised the machinery and

fitted double shuttered patent sails. The Norfolk boat shaped cap held a fantail.

In the 1950’s the mill, then derelict was purchased and turned into a sunny

residence.

More recently the Mill was purchased by Laura and John, a young

couple whose wish was to turn it into a unique, quirky home, set in a

stunning location.

The mill was covered in an impervious, damaging, cement render

and painted red with a modern, non-breathable masonry paint. The

effect of this was to trap high levels of moisture in the brickwork,

making the interior damp and cold.

The owners wanted to do the right thing for the building, so set

about the long, hard labour of love that was hand stripping it all back

to the original red brick, internally and externally.

Best of Lime were contacted by Laura and John to come up with

suitable products to reinstate the external lime render and internal

lime plaster.

After visiting site, it was decided that externally, the mill needed

Rendercote, a robust lime render developed for high exposure

masonry. Internally, the dubbing out and base coat would be

insulated Warmcote, with a Limecote finish to give a visually soft

look.

Maltby Plastering Ltd , traditional lime plasterers were chosen to

carry out the project.

Internally, Laura and John wanted to contrast the soft curves of the

Limecote with a hint of the industrial origins of the mill, so checker

plate steel was used for sills and the staircases, to give a great

visual effect.

Externally, the Rendercote is trowel finished smooth, expertly

applied by the Maltby Team on a difficult continuous curve.

The finished work was decorated with the breathable, low carbon

Graphenstone system.

Overall a very satisfying project to be involved in, from a poorly

functioning, damp shell to a very smart, warm, dry comfortable

and unique home in a beautiful location.