Lime mortar
Lime mortar is predominantly found as the construction / pointing mortar of stone and brick walls built before 1900. It is a naturally permeable material which allows walls to breathe. When a lime built wall has been repaired with modern cement mortar several problems occur: the core of the wall becomes damp as water is trapped behind the impermeable cement and internal damp problems prevail, cement can also cause preferential weathering of the surfaces of the stone causing stone decay. It is always advisable to repair traditional buildings with mortar matched to that used in the original construction.
Forter Castle,
Culross Palace,
Falkland Palace
Lime Pointing
A range of building limes are available and we can accurately specify a mortar which will suit the construction material and location of the building. The choice of aggregate is important, we select a well graded sand to match the original so that the new pointing blends with older work. The best replication of a traditional mortar can often be achieved by the inclusion of quick lime in the mix. We have been using gauged hot lime mixes for 25 years, the advantages of these mortars have been demonstrated with many successful projects. We use traditional methods including replacing small ‘pinning’ stones within the joints, this aids curing and produces beautiful timeless finishes. The success of any lime mortar depends on understanding the curing process, we carefully cover work and control drying so the mortar cures slowly and lasts for decades.
Blebo Craig, Fife
Dairsie, Fife
Morningside, Edinburgh
Falkland Palace parapet pointing
Lime harling
Lime harling is a traditional finish used to protect buildings from weathering. When a building is covered in a lime coat driving rain water does not penetrate the walls as it is held in the harl and rapidly re-evaporates once precipitation ceases. Therefore lime harl is a practical finish, it is also an attractive finish , very different to a modern cement dash coat. Our harling reflects the history of the building by following the subtle undulations of the underlying rubble walls to give softly beautiful surfaces. In all work attention to detail and careful treatment of door window openings are vital. Curing of harl is also critical to the long term success of the work, we renown for meticulous covering and curing. Lime harling can also be successfully applied to new cement block walls, this is particularly relevant when extending a building as the traditional finish helps blend the new with the old.
Kilbucho Old Manse, Lanarkshire
Milton Mill, Anstruther
Limewash
Limewash is applied to stonework, brickwork and harl to further protect surfaces, give unity of form and add colour to a building. It is applied in thin coats, with pigments added to provide a range of natural tones in pink, yellow, brown and grey. We combine these earth pigments to create custom colours for each project. We apply and burnish limewash to give depth of colour and ‘glowing’ buildings.
Melville Doo’cot, Fife
Nunton Steading, Benbecula