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Lime Mortars Plaster

This category covers suppliers and specialists in lime: lime putty, hydraulic and non-hydraulic limes, ready-mixed mortars and plasters, renders, limewash and the aggregates that go with them. Lime is the binder old buildings were made with, and using it again is what keeps solid walls working. It is permeable, so walls dry out; it is soft, so it sacrifices itself rather than the masonry; and it accommodates movement without cracking. Firms here supply materials, mix to match analysed originals, and many provide technical advice or training on specification and application. Our guide to historic stonemasonry explains the types of lime and when each is used.

What this category covers

  • Lime putty, hydraulic and non-hydraulic lime supply
  • Ready-mixed and bespoke mortars matched to original samples
  • Lime plasters, renders and limewash
  • Aggregates, hair and pozzolanic additives
  • Mortar analysis, specification advice and training
  • Listing Title
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A H Craftsman is a heritage stonemasonry business near Ripon, North Yorkshire, ...

Stone and Stonework

A Houston Builders Ltd is a building contractor based in Kirkcudbright, carrying ...

Builders

Adam Gough Plastering Services Ltd is a lime and modern plastering specialist ...

Lime Mortars Plaster

ADCAR Plastering is a Bristol plastering and rendering business run by Aaron ...

Plasterwork

Adderley Masonry Ltd is a Kent stonemasonry company founded by stonemason Harry ...

Stone and Stonework

Alasdair Mackenzie Stonemasonry Ltd works in conservation, restoration, drystone and new-build stonework ...

Stone and Stonework

Alba Stone Masonry restores and conserves historic, listed and modern buildings in ...

Stone and Stonework

Andover Plastering Ltd is a plastering and rendering company formed in 2007, ...

Plasterwork

APS Plastering Specialist Ltd is a Bristol rendering and plastering contractor working ...

Mortars & Renders

Architectural Conservation Limited is a stonemasonry business based in Livingston, working across ...

Stone and Stonework

Atum Stone Ltd is a stonemasonry business whose masons were trained in ...

Stone and Stonework

AXW Stonemasonry is a stonemasonry firm based in Keynsham. It works across ...

Stone and Stonework
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Choosing the right lime

Match the mortar to the masonry, not to a habit. Softer, more permeable stone and hand-made brick generally suit lime putty or a feebly hydraulic lime; more exposed elevations, chimneys and copings may justify a moderately hydraulic lime. The mortar should always be weaker than the units it joints.

Get the original analysed where the job is significant. Mortar analysis identifies binder type and, importantly, the aggregate – sand colour, grading and shape do more to match appearance than the binder does. Several suppliers offer this service and will mix to the result.

Allow for the working method. Lime is slower than cement: it needs damp substrates, protection from sun, wind and frost, and time between coats. Programmes written around gypsum or cement timings are the most common reason lime work fails, and the season matters – most specialists avoid starting external lime work late in autumn.

Ask about training and support. Several suppliers run courses or provide on-site technical visits, which is worth taking up if your contractor is capable but new to lime.

Guidance on lime mortars plaster

Technical guidance from Tuscan Foundry, written for architects, surveyors and conservation professionals.

Questions to ask

What is the difference between lime putty and hydraulic lime?

Lime putty (non-hydraulic) sets slowly by absorbing carbon dioxide from the air and stays soft and highly permeable. Hydraulic lime contains clay impurities that let it set with water, giving a faster, harder set. Putty suits soft, sheltered work; hydraulic suits exposure and structural situations.

Can lime work be done in winter?

External lime work should not be carried out in frost, and most specialists stop in late autumn. Lime needs time and moderate temperatures to carbonate, and a frost before it has set will destroy the work. Internal work can continue with care and protection.

Why does the sand matter as much as the lime?

Aggregate makes up most of the mortar's volume, so its colour, grading and particle shape largely determine the finished appearance and much of the performance. Matching the original sand is usually what makes a repair blend in; matching only the binder rarely does.

All 121 businesses listed under Lime Mortars Plaster

Related categories

Antique & Furniture Restorers  ·  Brickwork  ·  Chimney & Flue Systems  ·  Clay Tiles & Roof Features  ·  Cob & Earth  ·  Conservatories & Glasshouses  ·  Decorative & Stained Glass  ·  Door & Window Fittings  ·  Drainage  ·  Flooring  ·  Guttering & Pipework  ·  Heating and Plumbing  ·  Insulation  ·  Leadwork  ·  Metal Windows  ·  Mortars & Renders  ·  Plasterwork  ·  Rooflights  ·  Secondary Glazing  ·  Stone and Stonework  ·  Structural Repairs & Stabilisation  ·  Window Glass  ·  Windows and Doors

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Directory information is provided to help visitors identify potentially relevant specialists and suppliers. Inclusion does not constitute a recommendation, approval or guarantee by Tuscan Foundry Products. Please check current services, credentials, availability and suitability directly with each business.