To lime render Victorian rear what looks like breeze blocks?

housebuyer7

Hello,

Bought a mid-terrace Victorian house (1895 built) and the survey said the render to the rear had blown and water couldn't evaporate and it was causing internal damp and rot. My understanding was that the bricks couldn't breathe and that removing the render and re-rendering in lime would solve the issue. However, I don't think the bricks are the same as the front. Instead it looks like breeze blocks at the back. I don't understand now what I need to do. Is lime required for this?

FreeBear

Is it a cavity wall at the rear ?

Modern breeze block would be unusual in a solid wall unless they had been used to make a repair. You might need to do a bit of digging to find out about the history of that wall.

jj_43

yes lime render would be breathable

stuart45

Have you got any photos?

t1redmonkey

Is the rear of the house extended?  If so, then that might explain why it's breezeblocks instead of brick.  My understanding is you can still lime render over breezeblocks without any issues.

housebuyer7

It’s not extended, and pictures of the rear don’t show what I mean (as we have two layers of render) but it’s just looking at other houses in the street that makes me think. Here’s an example of a house round the corner that is also Victorian… are these breeze blocks? Is lime necessary for this material or could I just use standard render (cement), or will this prevent water evaporating? I understand the need for lime with old red brick but what about these?

stuart45

It's render, with the marks made with a bent nail and straight edge to imitate Ashlar stone work.