Andy Cowland has worked in the mortar industry for over 20 years. He has a passion for sustainable mortars with his focus being lime mortars, render and plasters. From helping pioneer the use of lime mortar in dry silos to mix designs for the renovation of St Pancras Station and the conversion of Smithfield Market to The Museum of London. Here are some articles he has written for Old House Store:
Heritage homes carry a sense of history, charm, and timeless beauty that modern construction often struggles to replicate. Preserving these architectural gems is a matter of aesthetics and an environmental responsibility. As the world shifts towards sustainable building practices, one of the key elements in reviving heritage homes is using carbon-neutral lime plasters. In this […]
In the dynamic landscape of contemporary buildings, where the twin pillars of sustainability and adaptability hold paramount importance, lime plaster emerges as an exceptional option. Despite its centuries-old lineage, this time-honoured material presents a seamless fusion of versatility and eco-friendliness, positioning it as a front-runner for today’s cutting-edge building methodologies. The intrinsic charm lies in […]
Have you ever marvelled at the enduring beauty of historic buildings, wondering about the secret behind their timeless elegance? The reason behind the timeless beauty of historic buildings often comes down to how carefully lime products are used in construction and restoration. Lime has been a dependable choice for preserving old buildings because of its […]
Creating a comfortable and healthy living environment entails careful consideration of various factors, and one critical aspect that is often overlooked is the choice of wall plaster material. While challenges such as durability, aesthetics, and upkeep are frequently considered, the breathability of the plastering material is often neglected. Understanding the significance of lime plaster breathability […]
Made from a mixture of slaked lime, water and natural pigments, lime wash offers numerous benefits that make it a desirable choice for both interior and exterior applications. A Timeless Appeal: The Aesthetic Benefits of Lime Wash Lime wash is a traditional finish that has been used for centuries to enhance the beauty of buildings […]
Lime mortar is a traditional building material that has been used for centuries in construction. It is composed of lime, aggregate, and water, with optional additives depending on specific requirements. Lime mortar is renowned for its excellent workability, durability, and compatibility with various types of masonry materials. Its unique properties make it an ideal choice […]
Shop our full range of Traditional Lime Mortars here. The History of Lime Mortar in Construction Lime mortar has been the backbone of masonry for millennia. Its use dates back to the ancient Egyptians and was perfected by the Romans, who discovered that adding volcanic ash (pozzolans) created a hydraulic set capable of hardening underwater. […]
Old brick walls can add character and charm to any building, but they can also deteriorate over time. The mortar between the brickwork can crumble and fall out, leaving the wall unstable and susceptible to damage. Fortunately, repairing old brick walls with lime mortar is an effective solution that can preserve the beauty and strength […]
Conserving old buildings typically requires extensive research, planning and co-operation amongst different groups. One aspect of brick and stone repair that often gets overlooked is the mortar used to fill cracks. It is not surprising that lime mortar is often used on older buildings as it is far more flexible and will not crack when […]
Building techniques that have endured through the ages have done so for a reason: they produce dwellings that have an innate affinity for their surroundings and are also natural, strong, and visually pleasing. In older homes, damp prevention requires adopting techniques such as using lime mortar rather than concrete, and like-for-like repair is always the […]