Lime has been used in buildings for millennium as both wall coatings and for structural purposes, withstanding the test of time in structures such as the Great Pyramids and the frescos of Pompeii.  In fact, lime was the primary building mortar throughout the world prior to the 20th century.

When working with historic buildings that have existed for decades or even centuries it is in the best service to the building to use materials that are the same or have similar properties to those originally used replacing like-for-like. If a building has been standing for that long why mess with success! Masonry walls were built as a system where the masonry units and mortar worked together, the mortar accommodated for the movement of the building and processed moisture out of the building, among other things.  Using the wrong material, such as repointing with Portland cement, can cause irreversible damage to historic masonry units.  Lime mortars are sympathetic to historic masonry allowing the buildings to work in the original way they were designed.

There is a large stock of older buildings no longer in use and now left in disrepair across the country, especially in our cities. These buildings can be repurposed by using the appropriate materials.

Lime has proven itself as a building material that can last for centuries. Use historical proof to your advantage and make appropriate repairs that can last over 100 years.

Image left: LimeWorks.us helped restore parts of St. Patricks Cathedral, NY