TRADITIONAL LIME MORTAR WORK
Limeway Renovation and Conservation for Old and Listed Buildings
At Limeway Wiltshire, we are traditional lime mortar specialists focusing on various services, including lime mortar repointing, brick, chalk and flint replacement, lime rendering, lime plastering and Limecrete flooring. We have a specialist skillset and an excellent reputation for providing traditional lime renovation and conserving old and listed buildings. Our reputation within the industry is unrivalled, and we have a strong and growing reputation within Swindon and Wiltshire for being the company to call for all specialist and traditional lime mortar works.
Our expert team is dedicated to preserving the heritage and character of historic buildings. We use only the highest-quality materials and traditional methods to ensure the integrity and longevity of our work. Whether restoring a crumbling wall or applying a new lime render, we approach each project with care and precision. Trust Limeway Wiltshire for all your traditional lime mortar needs and experience the difference of working with true specialists in the field.
Why Use Lime for Old Buildings?
Lime plaster is a traditional building material that, unlike concrete and gypsum, is breathable (vapour permeable). This allows the masonry to ‘breathe’, meaning moisture is not held in the masonry and can naturally evaporate.
Gypsum plaster is used in modern houses and works well with modern cavity walls; however, most old buildings do not have cavity walls, and unfortunately, many have been incorrectly restored and plastered with gypsum or modern cement, which is not vapour-permeable and thus traps moisture in the masonry. Therefore, using modern materials (cement and gypsum) on old buildings often leads to dampness and mould and can cause long-term damage to the masonry.
Lime Render is breathable (vapour permeable) and has a degree of elasticity, meaning it allows the masonry to breathe and can flex with the building (old buildings naturally flex with the seasons). However, cement is often used as a low-cost alternative to lime render. Unfortunately, this is a false economy that often leads to long-term problems.
Cement is not vapour-permeable and is hard. It will eventually crack because it will not move with the building. Once cement on the outside of a building cracks, water ingress arises. Water ingress leads to cement coming away from the wall, and the wall itself becomes ‘friable’ (easily crumbled). Should a wall get to the stage of being friable, sections of the wall itself may need to be replaced to maintain its integrity.
Environmentally Friendly Option
Lime is an environmentally friendly option with a lower carbon footprint from the manufacturing process than Portland cement. In addition, Lime absorbs carbon dioxide, further reducing its carbon footprint.
If you want to learn more about the various types of lime used or for a quote, please call us on 07727 687 535 or email us at james@limewaywiltshire.co.uk.
