Portuguese Property Renovation Guide (Extra)

Ring beams and Internal Ground Floor Cavity Walls.

Damp is a problem in some existing Portuguese property’s – one most commonly remedied here by putting a lick of paint over the area once a year!

A more sensible solution is a cavity wall, fairly common in England. A reinforced concrete foundation is created inside the existing stone walls of the house. A new cavity wall in brick is then built to form a dry, solid wall on which to plaster and to fit electrical and water supplies.  The cavity (space between the bricks) at the bottom of the wall should have a slope running towards the outside of the house and a vent to let any residual water escape. A modern drainage hose (made for the purpose) can also be installed if the house is built against the earth to prevent water collecting in the cavity. The brick wall is fitted with a modern insulation product such as “wallmate”.

This provides excellent thermal insulation to brick/stone walls.

The photograph to the right shows an exterior stone wall, insulation and the brick outer skin being installed.

The ring beam to support the first floor can then be installed on top of the brick wall, as on the photograph below.

The most common type of first floor is one made from “vigas”, pre stressed concrete joists with a brick infill and cement screed on top to provide the floor. The underside is plastered in the normal way or wood panelled if you are going for the traditional look.

The advantage of using this type of floor is that it is not affected by woodworm or damp and you can run electrical and water conduits under the screed making for a much neater finish. One other major advantage is that flooring, particularly ceramic tile flooring, will lay well without cracking or lifting.

Regarding the first floor exterior walls… If these are built in stone they should be above the “rising damp zone” so will only be effected by condensation. If you want exposed stone in your house it is best to use internal walls (no external contact) point using a modern mortar and apply several coats of silicon sealer. This is a clear product that will not effect the colour of the stone or joints. It has the added advantage that it stops oxidisation and flaking of the stone which causes sand like particles to constantly fall on your floor.  Here is an example of a treated wall. What ever you do. do not be tempted to varnish the stone as some Portuguese builders like to do. This is bound to fail in time and the results will be as ugly as they are expensive to fix. Rustic stonework when well done can be very attractive. If it is not well done and with heavy use of grey cement, you will be better off rendering over it and painting or using traditional wall tiles.

There are several examples of wonderful traiditional, locally built properties for sale under renovation property in Central Portugal. Check them out – all have enormous amounts of potential.

Tags: portugal, portuguese, xist, refurbishing properties, refurb property, stone, granite, limestone, stone house, stone cottage, refurb, building, damp, rot, lintel, insects, plaster, grout