Yes! Parker SW Ltd would recommend the removal of cement render from old stone and cob properties. Cement render does not allow a building to breathe which can cause damp problems in older properties. Older buildings are often not built with a damp course and would originally have been lime rendered. Lime render allows moisture to escape, meaning there is not a build up within the walls.
If you do not want to lime render your cottage, you can of course remove the cement and expose the bare stone. This often looks fantastic and the removal of the cementitious render will allow any trapped moisture to escape, thereby assisting with any damp issues.
However, the removal of the cement can loosen the stone, particularly if the lime mortar joints are weak and crumbly. We can stitch and tie fractures using Heli tie rods and then rake out the old mortar joints and re-point them with a hydraulic lime mix.
Parker SW Ltd specialise in traditional lime work, there is more information on our Traditional Lime Work page.