external walls

[Jacqui22]

I have to convert a delelict building into an upper floor retail outlet. the existing walls have to be maintained whilst renovating the rest..roof, floors etc...the external walls are said to be 600mm red sandstone, lath and plaster inside and painted outside. it is structurally not capable of carrying loads other than the roof and there is dry rot on the lath....
what is the best method of supporting the walls? and also removing the lath..?

 

[pba]

I'm not sure how big this building is but either:
1- an external braced frame - typically spanning over the pavement (sidewalk) and fixed to the facade stonework at suitable points such as windows is used. These are designed by structural engineers.

2- internal raking struts - Intalled by threading through holes cut in the existing building.

Which works for you I'm not sure. There is also a problem with dry rot. You need to be very sure you remove the cause of dampness which allowed the dry rot to develop in the first place. This may be obvious roof defects but could equally be water penetration through the facade.

Make sure you also know what to do with the infected timber you remove