Why Breathable Materials Matter in Historic Masonry
Why Breathable Materials Matter in Historic Masonry and Sustainable Construction
When it comes to preserving historic masonry or building for long-term resilience, one fundamental principle stands out: water must escape. At LimeWorks®.us, our approach to restoration and sustainable construction begins with this simple truth. Whether you’re repointing a 19th-century brownstone or designing a new structure with longevity in mind, our highly breathable lime mortars, plasters, and mineral paints provide the performance that modern materials, even the products that other producers of limes and NHL often compromise on, cannot deliver.
The Problem with Trapping Moisture
Many contemporary building materials—like Portland cement mortars or latex paints—may appear durable on the surface but trap moisture inside masonry walls. Over time, this trapped moisture can cause severe deterioration through:
- Cracking from freeze-thaw cycles
- Salt damage and efflorescence
- Loss of historic fabric
Historic structures were built with materials that naturally handled moisture, allowing vapor to move freely in and out of the building. Using modern, impermeable products on these vintage buildings or even using well-meaning but inappropriate lime-based concoctions that have no proven track record can upset this balance. This can lead to major failures and sometimes it is all due to both breathability and the speed of drying time, which is a hallmark property of the products we supply.
The LimeWorks®.us Difference
Our products are designed to respect the original intent and function of traditional construction while meeting today’s performance expectations. Our line of Ecologic™ lime mortar, plasters, and mineral based paints are vapor-permeable by design, allowing moisture to pass through and evaporate. This helps to:
- Prevent trapped water and damage from trapped water
- Support healthier interior environments
- Extend the life of both the masonry and the repair
- Reduce long-term maintenance costs
Building for the Future, Not Just the Past
Breathable materials aren’t only important in restoration. As sustainable building practices take center stage, they’re also critical in new construction. Ecologic™ lime mortars have a lower embodied carbon footprint and will age gracefully while also being durable which helps to eliminate the unnecessary cycle of re-replacement.
Get the Right Guidance
Understanding which materials to use—and how to use them correctly—can be complex. That’s why we don’t just manufacture products; we educate and mentor. Whether through our technical support, training materials, or hands-on workshops at the Craftwork Training Center, we’re here to help you make informed decisions that align with preservation standards and long-term conservation campaigns that always respect sustainability.
