I’ve just purchased a 15th c property in which, I’m told, a medieval wall constructed with timber ‘crois de St Andre’ was rendered with chaux. This is in perfect condition, and I want advice on removing it, and avoiding damage to the underlying history. Any advice gratefully considered…
Don’t forget that if your property is in a conservation area, you will need to consult with the ABF (Architecte de Batîments de France) before any alteration to the façades.
I was fascinated by this question so I googled "how to remove lime layer on old timber construction"
and I got these links plus hundreds more…your answer must be here somewhere!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lime_mortar
http://www.homebuilding.co.uk/feature/renovation-clinic-restoring-old-beams
http://www.eastherts.gov.uk/index.jsp?articleid=11608
http://books.google.fr/books?id=1IxFU_cZ_jYC&pg=PA166&lpg=PA166&dq=remove+lime+layer+on+old+timber+construction&source=bl&ots=yRzKxdT6_M&sig=db9KWQDMZuX6jWdF5iEd9HeRaDM&hl=fr&ei=l4hWTeWUL5KzhAep3o24DA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=5&ved=0CDsQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q&f=false
Have you got any pictures? Why would you want to remove it? A bit more detail would be necessary to give you proper advice I think…