A fresh rush ‘cross’ marks the feast of Bridget or Imbolg – Cross Quarter Day – midpoint between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox.
Certainly we have a belly full of water. It collects on small ledges upon the outer gable wall, seeps into the ancient stone, possibly aided by through stones – meant for strength – but which lead water directly inside!
I am disturbed by the level of saturation.
So quickly work to seal the underside of the loft against damage. Until an outdoor solution can be applied, meaning, until we get good dry spell…
Protection
Against the mightiest storms in living memory
Unprecedented waves of seventy-seven foot decimate our western sea front
Shortly our little arrangement comes undone
So. Once more, with feeling
With big winds due tonight again
limewindow 
Oh. My. My heart is with you. Wish I could help.
Aw thanks Andrea. We shall survive to blog the tale I am sure. Best wishes and thank you.
Stay safe and warm! These storms seem to be never-ending. Love the colours in your last photo.
Likewise to you – these storms are coming thick and fast! Yet another extremely wild night in Donegal. Take care.
The Queen is having some trouble with her roof too. Maybe you could send over a few large stones to hold the Tarp down.
We all have our cross to bear John. To reign from a plastic wig-wam would be interesting. The Dry Stone Wall Association of Ireland has recently had stones shipped from Ellis Island to Offaly (see here) https://limewindow.wordpress.com/2013/06/25/the-gathering-of-stones-2013/
A few boulders to London – a piece of cake. 🙂
Louise, I’m so sorry to see that your damp problems are worsening, it’s a real sickener. Lets hope you get an opportunity to rectify the situation in the not too distant future.
As a matter of interest, what type of sand did you use?
Louise,
I have taken the liberty of doing some research to solve your problem. Please email me on stonedyker@talk21.com and I’ll forward the results.
Nick
Hi Nick –
I’ve bought this breathable sealant – as an emergancy measure – but no chance to apply it yet. Did you think the same?
http://www.drytreat.com/Products/Protection/STAIN-PROOF-Original
This was reccomended by someone with a similar problem. Used on heritage buildings & my understanding is, that the gable can still be rendered even after this is applied.
Thanks for your consideration – I shall drop you a line.
Louise, re the earlier comment, I meant to ask; what type of sand did you use in the mortar?
Hello Eddie –
glad you got back from the ‘frontline’ of Inis Óirr! No doubt last month’s devestation is just the start, given this fierce episode…
Yes the sand used in the mortar is good sharp sand. I think the problem is the stone itself, being old and porous. Side by side, on the same gable, we have used a band of freshly quarried stone, which is completely dry.
See above replay to Nick for details of possible solution!
Would the solution not be to plaster and lime-wash the external walls? It seems likely that they would have been plastered in the past also?
Was the problem fixed? …I never forget to pop in on these pages to see whether there are news from you. I miss the ‘building’ days… When do you start with the shed? 🙂
Many best wishes from London,
f