Many of Britain’s historic buildings were constructed using lime-based products and this has contributed to their longevity and aesthetic qualities. This knowledge has led many of today’s builders to rediscover the benefit and pleasure of using lime-based materials. 

 

Lime is considered to be a superior building material because it allows buildings to breathe and move, reducing the risk of trapped moisture and preventing damage to the building fabric. Lime-based products are easy to work with, remaining smooth and malleable, and they give a beautiful finish that develops a rich patina over time. Lime also has several ecological benefits, using less embodied energy than cement with the benefit that it can be produced on a small scale. 

 

 

 

Lime is derived from rocks and minerals that are composed primarily of calcium carbonate, such as limestone. When limestone is burnt, it produces quicklime, the addition of water turns this into slaked lime, and the resulting putty or powder is mixed with sand to make lime mortars, renders and plasters. 

 

 

Lime is valued for its workability, remaining smooth and mouldable, even against porous materials such as brick, limestone and sandstone. It is extremely breathable, allowing moisture and damp to evaporate, can tolerate movement, and is strong enough to stand up to harsh weather. It also produces a beautiful finish that improves over time. Cement, on the other hand, sets rigid and has low moisture permeability which means it is not compatible with soft and porous materials. It is thought that cement may even damage such materials. Cement-based products do not have the same aesthetic qualities as lime mortars, renders and plasters which is why lime is becoming an increasingly popular choice for today's builders.