Lime mortar is one of the world’s oldest building materials. From as far back as the ancient Egyptians through to many of the historical buildings here in the UK, it has long been a popular choice. It provides a host of benefits to both the building itself and the people using it.
Breathability
Unlike modern options, such as cement, lime allows the walls of a building to breath. In older buildings, this prevents moisture from becoming trapped in the walls which can cause significant damage over time.
Stabilises Internal Environment
By helping to regulate the moisture in walls, lime reduces the humidity in a room and minimises the risk of moisture-related contaminants such as mould or condensation.
Eco-friendly Solution
Many lime plasters, including the ones we offer here at Limebase, are manufactured by local UK suppliers to minimise transportation pollution. They have a lower embodied energy than cement, can be produced on a smaller scale and helps to absorb excessive C02 in the atmosphere.
Good Adhesion
With its fine particle size, lime can be interpreted as sticky. This means it binds well with other materials and to the surface.
Protective
Being porous and permeable, lime removes excessive moisture which prevents the deterioration of other building materials used. It offers a layer of protection against harmful salts.
Mouldable
Lime is smooth and moldable, meaning it has good workability. When used, it allows workers to get a high-quality finish and to offer good performance to the building.
Hardwearing
When lime is used correctly, it has very high durability and can stand the test of time for many years. Some historical buildings have been shown to withstand over 600 years of wear without needing extensive repair work.
Attractive
Lime is composed of thousands of calcite crystals which reflect the light and give it a unique lustre. It can also be made in a variety of colours to match the original building perfectly.
Lime mortar continues to be a popular option for historic building restoration and repair. If you have any questions about the products we manufacture here at Limebase, get in contact with the team here today.