Lime Pointing

Lime mortar is one of the world’s oldest and most durable building materials; it’s also one of the great survivors. Just look at the Great Wall of China where many sections were built around 518 – 618AD – by ramming earth, lime, sand and small stones between board frames, and lime has been used continuously ever since in the re-building and refurbishment for over 2000 years. It has certainly stood the test of time. Oxfordshire and surrounding areas has many exaples of these.

Why use Lime mortar?

Breathability

Lime mortar is highly breathable allowing water to pass through the building thereby avoiding a build-up of moisture within the fabric and the risk of subsequent condensation or damp taking hold.

Flexibility

Because lime mortar is a flexible material, it will move with a building as natural thermal expansion or contraction occurs.

Protectability

The use of lime forms a protective shield against frost and water movement due to the higher quality of bond achieved with this material and the absence of large cracks. This helps reduce the risk of water ingress.

Durability

The durability of lime mortar is well documented with it being a favoured material that has stood the test of time and is testimony to this highly versatile and durable building material.

Environmentally Friendly

Lime mortar is environmentally friendly in its production, its use and afterlife.

The carbon footprint of lime production is considered carbon-neutral for a number of key reasons.

The raw material (limestone) is burnt at a much lower temperature in the production process than cement.
It therefore uses considerably less energy making it more environmentally friendly.
It is possible to produce lime on a small scale.
Extremely low energy and vulnerable materials such as earth construction and straw bales can be protected by adding small quantities of lime.
Carbon absorbing is achieved in the production of lime mortar. Some of the CO2 emitted during the firing process is re-absorbed by the lime as it hardens, and this continues throughout the life of the material.

Good adhesion properties

Because lime mortar is a flexible material, it will move with a building as natural thermal expansion or contraction occurs.

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