What are the appropriate external and internal finishes for cob buildings?
A. This topic is covered fully in the “Appropriate Plasters and Renders etc” publication which can be found on this website. The fundamental principle is to achieve vapour permeability in finishes on earth buildings to avoid saturation. DEBA for this reason advises strongly against the use of renders and plasters which incorporate Portland cement as this heavily reduces or prevents such permeability. Similarly the use of traditional finishes such as limewash or distemper is to be preferred.
