Restoring a period property is a labour of love that requires a deep understanding of historical architecture and a commitment to preserving the charm of
In a world that’s becoming increasingly environmentally conscious, many homeowners and renovators seek eco-friendly alternatives for their projects. Whether it’s a historic restoration, redecorating with
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In the past, many people used lime mortar to plaster their walls. However, this method has been in and out of fashion over the last decade. Lime mortar is proving to be an extremely good building material with many key benefits. These benefits make it an excellent choice for old buildings and heritage structures in particular. Let’s take a look at what they are!
Lime mortar is a traditional method of plastering walls on heritage buildings. It has seen a resurgence in popularity as more people look to restore old buildings. Also, because it’s breathable and flexible, making it ideal for older buildings that are more prone to decay and mould.
Plastering with lime mortar has been used in homes and other buildings for centuries. Lime plastering is breathable, which means it allows moisture to evaporate through the surface rather than trapping it inside the wall or ceiling voids. This makes lime mortars ideal for older structures that may have issues with mould or mildew growth behind existing finishes such as paint or wallpaper. Lime plasters are also flexible and durable enough to withstand movement within an old building without cracking or breaking away from its substrate (the structural material supporting them).
Lime mortar helps to keep buildings dry, extending their life span and reducing maintenance costs. If you’re not using lime mortar in your restoration project, you need to consider how much money you’ll be spending on repairs further down the line. Don’t be a victim of extensive damage that could have been prevented using lime mortar earlier on.
Lime mortar is a great choice for heritage buildings. It’s easy to source and prepare, breathable, durable and can last for thousands of years.
Lime mortar is also sustainable and environmentally beneficial. It’s made from a renewable resource called limestone. In fact, the production of lime mortar is actually carbon-neutral. During the setting process, lime mortar will re-absorb all the carbon dioxide it produces making it a net-zero construction material.
This building material is made from limestone and sand, with water added to provide the necessary binding. Making it very similar to cement mortar.
Lime mortar is easy to remove from bricks and blocks allowing for reuse or recycling. Lime manufacturing also produces 20% less CO2 than cement production and it’s biodegradable meaning it won’t end up in a landfill.
In conclusion, it is clear that lime mortar has been used for centuries and is still being used today due to its ability to breathe and not damage the building.
The key benefits of using lime mortar are its durability, fire resistance and breathability which make it a perfect material for restoring old buildings.
Lime mortar is also softer and weaker than the stone or brick which it bonds. It is therefore able to accommodate slight movements caused by settlement or temperature changes without significant cracking. Also, it is permeable and allows evaporation of rising and penetrating damp from within the wall. Click here for Lime in Historic Buildings.