The term ” wattle and daub ” refers to a very traditional British construction method dating back over many centuries . It describes the materials used to in- fill a timber frame house to keep the timber  dry by allowing the walls to breathe and to let moisture escape from the inside to the outside.

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The wattle refers to thin wooden staves , usually of willow or hazel, that are interwoven and either wrapped around or nailed to the gridwork of the timber frame. This is then “daubed “  with mud and sand and often straw which when dry sets onto the wattle and forms a base for a lime wash or lime plaster to be brushed or trowelled on top as the outer decorative layer.

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The soundness of this technique has proved to be outstanding and a similar version can now be used to replace or repair wattle and daub sections but with one huge advantage ie increased thermal insulation.

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The big drawback of wattle and daub or even “cob houses” – similar method but no timber frame and  free standing walls around 2 to 3 feet thick – is that there is no insulation and little thermal mass so heat loss is extreme in winter.  However, this problem can now be solved by infilling the timber frame “cavity” with breathable hemp or sheep fleece batts and then covering with a wood ply or wood based insulation board. A natural lime render can then be applied over the boards to give an authentic but warm look and feel to the home.

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For further details on wattle and daub or cob houses and how we may be able to help raise the insulation values please call us on 08456 345866 or email us.

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