Renovating an old house in and around Vire Normandie, which floorings to choose?
The renovation of an old house, in Vire Normandie or in its Normandy surroundings, appears as an equally exciting and demanding project. Between Stone charm, the constraints related to French Buildings, the irregular soils and the problems of humidity, each decision has to be carefully considered, including the choice of floor coverings, a problem well known to Florian Lemonnier's teams, Space Coatings.
Or call us! 02 31 67 37 01
Unlike a house of recent construction1 old construction requires the use of breathable materials, on sometimes unstable supports, as many elements that directly influence the comfort and durability of interiors.
Thus, qSelect coatings to reconcile authenticity, aesthetics and performance? In this blog post, you will find the complete guide to making the right choices, in partnership with your virois professional.
Wallpapers
Painting
Floor coverings
Understanding the specifics of an old house in Normandy
In the Norman Bocage, Vire Normandie and in an area of about 40 kilometres around, Espace revêtements, a local expert member of a national network, stands out as the key address for individuals who express the wish to transform, renovation or embellish their spaces.
For before we even talk about coverings, we must understand the behaviour of the old building. The traditional Norman houses, of stone, brick or torchi, are constructed with so-called perspiring materials, i.e. allowing steam to circulate.
Unlike modern houses, architecturally designed to limit energy consumption in all seasons, they generally do not have a waterproof moisture barrier. This results in:
- moisture easily rises from the ground, by hair lifts
- materials absorb and restore water
- natural ventilation by opening doors, bays and windows is insufficient
In addition, ancient soils sometimes rely directly on land or on poorly isolated structures. Therefore, the choice of coating must be compatible with the operation of the building, not confined to a simple aesthetic.
House to renovate or house in ruins, the specificities of each must be taken into account to adapt the choices of coatings. « In a ruined house, focus on robust and easy to place products », say the specialists.
Different challenges are to be met, as it is to modernise while respecting the existing charm, to adapt instead by anticipating the impact of choices on the various stages of the renovation, by calculating the final thickness of the floor according to the doors for example.
Moisture, the key factor to never neglect or leave to chance
Central point of the renovation in the old, Moisture can come from several sources, i.e. upslopes of the ground, infiltration from the outside or condensation due to poor ventilation.
Because of their porosity, ancient materials easily absorb water and preserve it. In these different cases, installing an inadequate coating, for example too tight, by yourself, can make problems worse. For example, specialists stress the essential: treating moisture before renovation, or else rapidly degrade materials and promote the appearance and development of moulds.
In old houses it is common to encounter irregular walls or areas to treat against moisture. For this type of surface, matt paints reduce visible defects. As regards the paintings They are particularly suitable for sensitive parts, such as the kitchen or bathroom. To wall as on the ceiling, paintings 2 in 1, ensuringprinting and finishing, ensure a saving of time and have a strong covering power.
Should existing soils be retained or replaced, a choice to be made?
Before selecting a new coating, clients, accompanied by the technical experts of the sign Espace revêtements Vire, must question and answer a simple question: can the current soil be recovered?
In some situations, keeping existing is the best option. Old Parquet to renovate, Traditional tomatoes or Stone slabs, these materials give a certain charm to the house and can be restored.
On the other hand, the need for deposition is required in situations of unstable support, very irregular soil or too high humidity. Indeed, these cases of figures cannot guarantee the durability of the future material installed.
Among the best options for renovation are: LVT blades These are characterised by their low thickness, allowing for the installation without depositing of the old surface, i.e. without changing the heights of doors or plinths. Easy to install thanks to their clipable system, they offer excellent stability and increased resistance to moisture.
For an optimal result, professionals recommend select coatings with an integrated sublayer, ensuring better acoustic comfort and enhanced insulation.
Best coatings for an old house in Normandy
The tile, robust and suitable for water parts, remains a safe valuein particular in kitchens, the bathrooms and entries. Its excellent water resistance and ease of maintenance add to its great durability in the list of advantages to use. In an old-fashioned house, cement tiles or imitation stone will be preferred.
The parquet floor, solid or laminated, brings authenticity and warmth. In line with the old frame, its aesthetics also provide improved thermal comfort.
The vinyl floor or PVC, practical and economical, returns in force after having been pushed for many years. Compatible with irregular, water-resistant and easy-to-install supports, it is recommended in kitchens, laundry facilities and rental units. According to experts, this excellent compromise between budget and sustainability is proving to be a very efficient material in wetlands and with a strong passage.
In addition, the waxed concrete, which attracts more and more in renovation, brings modernity in the old. If it requires a perfectly prepared support and professional implementation, its contemporary rendering and its great resistance add its continuous surface, without joints, to the list of its assets.
Finally, the natural materials, breathable and durable, in the air of time, return to the page. Often the most relevant in ancient building, terracotta, natural stone and cork, imputrescible, respect hygrometric balance from the house by letting the supports breathe.
Adapt suitable coatings in each room of the house
At each of the rooms of the house, its ideal coating. In a lounge1 stay or more broadly one living room1 parquet or wood imitation coating will bring comfort and aesthetics, just as in the warm atmosphere of a master bedroom or suite.
In the kitchen, tile or high-end vinyl will give the desired style without neglecting the sustainability to bring value to the property. As for the bathroom, a non-slip tile, matching the shower tray, or a Waterproof PVC, will do it. In all parts, only one objective will be retained, that of adapting the material to use, while maintaining overall consistency.
How to improve the comfort of life in damp rooms?
In an old house, damp rooms, such as the bathroom, kitchen or laundry, require special attention to ensure optimal comfort day after day.
Beyond the choice of coating, several levers help to improve the quality of life. First, ventilation is essential. Installation of a VMC — controlled mechanical ventilation — or, failing this, regular ventilation, allow to remove moisture and limit condensation.
Then the choice of suitable materials plays a key role : to favour water-resistant coatings such as tile or certain vinyl floors, combined with high-quality joints, prevent infiltration. The addition of suitable heating also helps to clean the ambient air.
Finally, a few simple gestures make the difference: wipe surfaces after use, avoid drying laundry in a poorly ventilated room or maintain a stable temperature. Combining good practices and suitable materials, a damp room can turn into a healthy, comfortable and durable space.
Why be accompanied by Espace revêtements Fire?
Every house is unique. Between humidity, structure and use, there is no universal miracle solution. This is why using a specialist local professional allows you to both benefit from tailored and personalized advice, choose materials compatible with the housing, but above all avoid costly mistakes.
In conclusion, combine aesthetic, technical and common sense
Renovating an old house in Vire Normandie, in the Bocage, in the cities as in the rural areas of Calvados, the English Channel and Orne, is to carry out a vast project, requiring common sense to respect the natural balance of the good. The right coating, the right selection, adapt to moisture, respect the original materials and correspond to daily use.
Between warm parquet floors, durable tiled floors, practical vinyl or natural materials, the solutions are numerous, provided you make the right choices from the start. In renovation, the floor is never a simple detail, but rather the basis for the comfort and durability of your home. To receive free quotation and personalized advice, do not hesitate to contact us!
A project in mind? Let's talk about it!
Whether it's for a gate, a kitchen, a staircase or an outdoor furnishings, don't hesitate to contact us.
We will review your request and offer you a personalized quote.
👉 Contact Space Coatings Fire now to exchange on your carpentry project.
