Which Lime to Use? Part 1 – Mortars for Building & Pointing Older Buildings

Lime Mortar Uses Explained — How to apply the correct mix for your historic homeIn this episode of Talking Conservation, Stephen and Rich explain how different types of lime mortar are applied to traditional buildings; from soft brick pointing to bedding stone walls. We cover the pros and cons of air lime, NHL 2, NHL 3.5, and hot lime mixes and how they compare to cement-based mortars often found in repairs.When considering pointing; we talk about the adage that "the pointing should always be softer than the surrounding masonry" and explain this. We discuss when to consider repointing and briefly look at what repointing involves. In our discussion we briefly touch on tuck pointing.During the discussion we consider how brick making has changed over the centuries and how mortar/pointing has also changed.Whether you’re a homeowner working on an older property or a trade professional unsure which lime mix is right for the job, this episode gives you practical guidance rooted in conservation experience.The next episode looks at the use of lime for internal plasters and external renders.👉 New to the series? Watch these first:• Ep.1: The Lime Cycle Explained — where lime comes from, how it's processed, and how it transforms chemically from limestone to lime and back again.• Ep.2: Lime Mortar Types Explained — the different types of lime (air lime, NHL, hot lime, pozzolanic mixes), their characteristics, and how they behave in buildings.👉 Subscribe to our channel for future episodes on building conservation, heritage homes, and expert advice.👉 Book a consultation with us for 1-1 advice on managing your historic home on www.expertible.com👉 Professionals involved in working on or with historic, traditional, or listed buildings may want 1-2-1 mentoring and/or training with Stephen. Visit his website at www.beconservation.com