Building conservation is the careful repair, preservation, and protection of historic structures to ensure they remain functional, safe, and true to their original character. Unlike general renovation or modern construction, conservation work respects the history, craftsmanship, and materials of a building, aiming to sustain its heritage for future generations. It’s about understanding not just how a building was made, but why – and working with those original methods, not against them.
At The Yorkshire Lime Company, we specialise in this meticulous craft. We use traditional materials such as hot lime mortar, earth plasters, and natural stone to maintain the authenticity of the buildings we work on. Our approach is rooted in the philosophy of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (S.P.A.B.), which prioritises minimum intervention, informed repairs, and the use of like-for-like materials.
What Are Heritage Assets and Listed Buildings?
Heritage assets are buildings, structures, landscapes, and features that hold historical, architectural, or cultural importance. They include everything from centuries-old churches and stately homes to dry-stone walls, barns, and industrial buildings. These assets offer a tangible link to our past and help define the identity and character of the places we live in. Conserving them isn’t simply about aesthetics – it’s about maintaining a physical record of our social and architectural development.
Listed buildings are a specific category of heritage asset recognised for their national significance. In England, they are protected by law under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. There are three grades of listed buildings: Grade I (of exceptional interest), Grade II* (particularly important), and Grade II (of special interest). Any repairs or alterations to these buildings must be carried out sensitively and often require listed building consent. At The Yorkshire Lime Company, our professional heritage builders understand the strict regulations and best practices needed to carry out work on listed properties in accordance with conservation standards.
Conservation Masonry
Conservation masonry is a cornerstone of heritage building repair. It involves the maintenance and repair of stone, brick, and earth masonry using traditional tools and techniques. Rather than replacing historic fabric, conservation masonry seeks to retain as much original material as possible, intervening only where necessary to protect the structure.
Our team is highly experienced in working with traditional masonry, using breathable materials and techniques that complement the building’s age and construction. Whether it’s rebuilding a collapsed wall with reclaimed stone or applying shelter coats for weather resistance, our approach is always careful, respectful, and tailored to the needs of the individual structure.
Lime Torching & Lime Mortar Pointing
Lime torching is a traditional roofing method used to seal and secure roofing slates or tiles from the underside using a hot lime mortar. Historically mixed with fibres such as goat hair, chalk, or animal dung, this method helps protect the roof from wind-driven rain and reduces draughts and moisture ingress. Lime torching also provides added stability to older roof structures without relying on modern synthetic sealants, which are often incompatible with historic buildings.
Lime mortar pointing, meanwhile, is the careful process of repointing stone or brickwork using lime-based mortars rather than cement. Cement traps moisture within the wall, leading to cracking and long-term decay. Lime mortar, on the other hand, is breathable and flexible – allowing buildings to “breathe” and adjust naturally to weather conditions. It also supports the health of surrounding masonry by reducing internal dampness and preserving original features. At The Yorkshire Lime Company, our lime mortars are hand-mixed using traditional methods and carefully colour-matched to ensure a seamless repair.
Damp Proofing
One of the most misunderstood aspects of historic building care is damp. Older buildings were built without modern damp-proof courses but were instead designed to allow moisture to move freely through breathable materials like lime and stone. Introducing modern damp-proofing products into these structures can often make the problem worse by sealing in moisture rather than allowing it to escape.
Our approach to damp issues involves identifying the root cause – whether it’s poor drainage, blocked ventilation, cement-based repairs, or modern paints that trap moisture. We use breathable materials and traditional methods to remedy the issue in a way that is sympathetic to the building’s original design. In most cases, allowing the walls to dry out naturally and reinstating lime mortars and plasters is the best and most sustainable solution.
Bricklaying & Chimney Repairs
Historic brickwork demands a particular level of care and understanding. The bricks themselves are often softer and more irregular than their modern counterparts, and repairs must be carried out using appropriate materials and techniques. At The Yorkshire Lime Company, we specialise in heritage bricklaying – from replacing individual bricks with matching reclaimed units to rebuilding entire sections of walls using traditional bonding patterns and hot lime mortars.
Chimney repairs are another essential part of conserving historic buildings. Chimneys are especially vulnerable to weathering, and poorly executed repairs using cement or inappropriate materials can lead to serious structural issues. We use traditional hot lime mortar for chimney repointing and reconstruction, ensuring compatibility with the existing materials and long-term durability. Our masons also pay close attention to ventilation and water runoff to help extend the life of these prominent and important features.
Contact The Yorkshire Lime Company for more information
If you’re the owner or caretaker of a heritage building and need advice or assistance, The Yorkshire Lime Company is here to help. We provide expert guidance, skilled craftsmanship, and a genuine passion for building conservation. Whether you’re looking to repair masonry, repoint with lime, remove cement renders, or investigate damp issues, our team is on hand to support you every step of the way.
We work across Yorkshire, including conservation areas and listed buildings, and are fully versed in the latest heritage guidelines and best practices. Contact us today to arrange a site visit, consultation, or quotation – and let us help you protect and preserve your building for generations to come.
