Why use lime in old buildings?
Before this century building techniques and materials were very different from those employed today. Traditional properties need to “breathe” to allow moisture inherent in a solid wall construction without a damp proof course to evaporate from the external stonework or render. Many old buildings are constructed from materials such as brick, cob and stone which are relatively porous and often of lower strength. Lime mortars were normally used for bedding and plastering. Lime mortar is a relatively softer mortar and therefore it is able to withstand a certain amount of movement (without cracking) that comes with settlement and seasonal changes in ground conditions. Lime mortar is porous and allows moisture to evaporate, helping to keep a building free of damp.
