Should I Remove Cement-Based Render? When it comes to removing non-porous cement-based render, there are a few things to consider. One is the historic value of the render. If the render is part of the original fabric of the building, then it may be worth keeping for…
Hydraulic Lime Mortars (N.H.L.) The use of natural hydraulic lime mortars is now widespread for conservation work in the U.K. N.H.L. mortars with hydraulic properties (literally, the ability to set under water) were used in the U.K. in the past, but are modern N.H.L. mortars suitable for…
Reason 1 - Traditional Roofing Issues. No two traditional roofs are the same, but all traditional roofs serve the same purpose: to protect the interior of a building from the outside elements. Over time, however, even the sturdiest roof can succumb to wear and tear. Damaged roof…
The age of your building is the first indication of the type of mortar used in its construction. Most houses built before the 1900s were constructed with lime or earthen mortars. These materials are much more durable than modern Portland cement, which was not introduced until the…
If you own a traditional lime mortar-built brick or stone property, there is a big chance it has suffered the effects of cement mortar pointing, Gypsum plasters and none porous renders. You may have had the so-called "damp specialists" and possibly other surveyors visit and they more…
Some of the most iconic structures from history are made using lime mortars or Roman cement. The Great Pyramid of Giza, the Parthenon, and the Colosseum are just a few examples of the beautiful and enduring structures that have been built with this versatile material. But how…
