Why Lime Plaster?

Lime is particularly well-suited for use on Grade I and II listed buildings, conservation areas, or structures built before the 1940s, where matching existing materials and ensuring breathability are essential. This traditional building material is composed primarily of lime, sand, and water. Unlike modern cement and gypsum, which are non-breathable, lime hardens through a chemical reaction with water; non-hydraulic lime gains strength via carbonation, a natural process where lime interacts with atmospheric moisture and carbon dioxide, gradually hardening and creating a durable yet vapour-permeable finish. Internal lime plaster is a traditional technique that utilises lime-based materials to provide a breathable and visually appealing finish for walls.

Survey, Mortar Analysis, and Documentation

We conduct comprehensive on-site surveys to assess your project and recommend the most suitable lime types tailored to your specific requirements. Our commitment to matching new lime with the original mortar’s vapour permeability and strength includes using different coloured sands and special dyes for custom colour matching. We offer a wide variety of rendering finishes, allowing you to choose one that complements the existing appearance or suits prevailing weather conditions. Our expertise focuses on Grade I and II listed buildings, ensuring the preservation of the original structure’s authenticity. With extensive experience in managing Listed Building Consent and collaborating closely with conservation officers, we are well-equipped to assist you throughout the entire process, providing guidance at every stage and handling the submission of any necessary documentation on your behalf.

Flexibility and Vapour Permeability

Internal lime can be applied to lower level walls, where increased vapour permeability is beneficial. Its flexibility makes it particularly suitable for timber-frame buildings, Tudor properties, wattle and daub, as well as lath ceilings and partitions. Synthetic fibres & courser aggregate can also be incorporated into the first coat to enhance this flexibility & strength.

Benefits

The primary benefit of internal lime plaster is its exceptional breathability, allowing moisture to escape from the building fabric and significantly reducing the risk of trapped moisture and related issues such as mould growth and decay. As the plaster cures, it undergoes a strengthening process that enhances its durability over time.

Softer Materials

With its softer composition and superior vapour permeability compared to cement and gypsum plaster, lime plaster is an excellent choice for conservation efforts and the restoration of Grade I and II listed buildings. Although traditional lime applications may come at a higher cost due to the more labour-intensive processes involved in mixing, applying, and curing the material, the benefits far outweigh the expenses. We focus on Grade I and II listed and historical structures, where preserving the authenticity of the original design is crucial.

Self-Healing

Lime plastering possesses a remarkable self-healing property that enhances durability and longevity by allowing it to repair minor cracks and imperfections caused by environmental factors or structural movements. When exposed to moisture and carbon dioxide, a chemical reaction occurs with the calcium hydroxide in the lime, reforming calcium carbonate that effectively fills cracks and restores surface integrity. This self-healing capability not only maintains a smooth finish, enhancing aesthetic appeal, but also protects the underlying structure by minimising moisture ingress and preventing further damage. Additionally, this property aligns with sustainable building practices by extending the material's lifespan and reducing the need for extensive repairs, making lime an excellent choice for conservation projects and historic buildings where preserving original materials is crucial.

Summary

Lime for internal walls is a versatile and sustainable finishing option that enhances the beauty of interior spaces while supporting the preservation of building integrity. Ultimately, internal lime contributes to the visual appeal of your spaces while safeguarding the history and integrity of Grade I and II listed, historical buildings & conscious homeowners that want to preserve the heritage of there homes.

For further details about one of our selected materials manufacturers, please click on the link below:

Lime Render, Lime Mortar, Lime Plaster, Limewash, NHL - www.limestuff.co.uk