Raw Head Cottage is a Grade II listed farmhouse situated in the picturesque Langdale Valley in the heart of the Lake District.
Built in the 1600s, the building is now used by the Fell and Rock Climbing Club – one of the most popular climbing clubs in the country with many famous and prominent climbers amongst its members. Now more than 400 years old, the lime-rendered exterior of the farmhouse has been well overdue a redecoration. Volunteers at the club were tasked with finding a suitable coating to help protect and rejuvenate the historic building.
Withstanding the weather
Despite its idyllic setting, weather conditions in the Lake District are often unpredictable and can vary throughout the year. From rain and snow to harsh winds, the paint needed to be able to stand up to the elements while allowing the lime render to breathe and maintain the building’s aesthetically pleasing appearance.
To ensure the finished result could stand the test of time, the team used 10 litres of Johnstone’s Trade Stormshield Sol Silicate Primer. Designed to stabilise and bind porous lime rendered surfaces, the primer provides excellent levels of adhesion and works in tandem with masonry paint to maintain breathability – preventing moisture build up and helping to preserve the surface structure.
The chosen topcoat was Johnstone’s Trade Stormshield Sol Silicate Masonry in Pure Brilliant White. Ideal for use on internal or external lime render, lime plaster and most masonry surfaces, the coating has been formulated with Ultimate Breathability technology and water-repelling properties, to provide long-lasting protection against the elements, dirt and micro-organisms such as mould.
“The climbing club is rich in history and throughout this project, our goal was to use a high-quality paint system that ensures longevity,” said a volunteer of the climbing club who helped refresh the farmhouse. The Lake District is a beautiful destination, but we’re not guaranteed good weather, so these products needed to provide excellent adhesion against the previously painted surface of the farmhouse and guarantee that the building is protected for years to come, no matter what the weather. Johnstone’s Trade’s support was invaluable in providing the knowledge and technical advice needed to select the appropriate products.”
Protection for years to come
Completing the project in just one week, the volunteers primed and masonry coated the full exterior of Raw Head Cottage with the right materials for preserving historic buildings.
“We’re so happy with the finish we’ve achieved,” said the volunteer. “The building needs extra protection because of its location and now, thanks to the Johnstone’s Trade Sol Silicate range, we have confidence that the walls will stand up to the everchanging weather conditions. The Fell and Rock Climbing Club now has a building it can be proud to call home for hopefully another 400 years.”
To learn more about Johnstone’s Trade Stormshield Sol Silicate range, click here
