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

In this episode of Talking Conservation, we explain the different types of lime used in building and restoration work. If you have ever wondered what the difference is between air lime, natural hydraulic lime (NHL), pozzolans, or hybrid lime mixes, this video will give you a clear introduction.

Understanding the types of lime is essential before starting any work on older or historic buildings. Whether you are a homeowner, builder, surveyor or anyone dealing with traditional construction, choosing the right lime can make a big difference to the long-term condition of the building.

We cover:

What air lime is and how it works

How pozzolans change lime chemistry and performance

What makes a lime hydraulic and how NHLs are classified

The role of hybrid mixes, including hot lime and insulating lime plasters

The importance of matching materials to traditional buildings

This is the second video in our lime series. In the next episode, we will discuss how to select and apply the correct lime type for specific jobs including pointing, rendering, plastering and flooring.

👉 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

Rich finds a lime kiln. Stephen nerds out on chemistry. Somehow, it all makes sense.

In this episode of Talking Conservation, we walk through the full lime cycle — from burnt limestone to breathable lime mortar — and explain why it still matters today.

Packed with practical knowledge, dry humour, and the occasional chemistry flashback, this is your crash course in the building material that’s been quietly doing the heavy lifting for centuries.

Rich comes across an old disused lime kiln and this leads us to discuss the Lime Cycle. Stephen talks about how a source of Calcium Carbonate (e.g. Limestone) is taken through various processes that each change the nature of the material, but that at the end it reverts to a form of Calcium Carbonate again - hence the term Lime Cycle. Rich reflects on this at the end and mentions that we will look at various forms of lime (as used in building works) in a future video.

#limestone #thelimecycle #buildinglimes #buildingconservation #talkingconservation #buildingmaterials

Ian is the CEO of Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome (museum). We talk about his past and how he came to be at Stow Maries, as well as describing the site and its buildings. Some issues we specifically talk about are Hoop Iron and Asbestos. We also discuss the use of volunteers and how these are essential to the running of the museum. An ongoing problem that faces most museums is funding and we talk about funding for Stow Maries. We also look at future plans and Ian also tells us what inspires him.Chapters00:00:00 Music intro. 00:07:09 General introduction.00:30:07 Introduction to the museum and Ian Flint.00:56:11 Ian’s story about how he became involved.02:54:08 About Stow Maries Great War Museum.04:28:23 About the site.08:34:15 Types of buildings on site.10:01:03 Accessibility, facilities, and buildings in use.12:00:13 The present condition of buildings and what works are ongoing and planned.14:14:15 Hoop Iron – what is it and how it is being dealt with?19:21:06 The airfield aspect.20:22:19 Asbestos – how it is approached and dealt with.23:33:04 Seeking professional guidance.26:35:21 Dealing with contractors.30:36:18 Volunteers – creating a group of volunteers and retaining them.38:29:04 Funding and the Heritage Lottery Fund.44:22:00 Donating to the museum.45:16:23 Social media presence.46:24:02 The future of Stow Maries.49:10:03 What inspired Ian and continues to drive him.52:18:19 Favourite place or places.55:14:04 Closing comments and thanks.55:29:09 Outro.

Buildings Insurance for Historic Homes: Everything You Need to Know In this episode, we sit down with Steve Moores, Client Director for Howden Insurance, to discuss the ins and outs of buildings insurance for historic homes. Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, or tenant of an old property, this episode is packed with essential advice to help you protect your home. Key Topics Covered: - How to assess the rebuild value of your historic property. - Factors that impact insurance premiums and how to lower costs. - Risks specific to older homes, such as fire, flood, subsidence, and more. - The challenges of insuring during the current "hard market." - What happens if you’re underinsured and how to avoid costly mistakes. Jump to specific sections using the timestamps below: 00:00:00 - Introductions 00:02:38 - Assessing the rebuild value of a building 00:08:49 - Building Cost Information Service limitations 00:19:07 - How often to assess a rebuild value 00:27:52 - What affects insurance premiums the most 00:30:47 - Water leak detectors 00:37:39 - Escape of oil 00:40:55 - Domestic energy storage & batteries 00:43:02 - Risks of fire 00:46:32 - Risk of flood 00:50:09 - Subsidence 00:51:35 - The current insurance "Hard Market" 00:59:09 - Insuring for subsidence 01:04:54 - Discussion on claims 01:08:38 - "Betterment" 01:16:37 - What happens if you're underinsured 01:26:13 - Having significant building works done 01:31:05 - Wrap up Links & Resources Mentioned: 🏠 Tools for Assessing Your Historic Property: * Building Cost Information Service (BCIS): https://www.bcis.co.uk * Rebuild Cost Assessment (Desktop Assessment - use code HOWDEN20):https://www.rebuildcostassessment.com/desktop-assessment * Benchmark Cost Assessment Services: https://bch.uk.com/benchmark/

🌊 Flood Risk Resources: * Flood Re Initiative (Affordable Flood Insurance): https://www.floodre.co.uk * Government Flood Risk Information: https://flood-map-for-planning.service.gov.uk

🔧 Renovation Insurance: * Renovation Plan (Insurance for Renovation or Building Work): https://www.renovationplan.co.uk

💬 Join the Conversation: * "Your Old House UK - Repair and Conservation" Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Ew6kmuVjw/?mibextid=wwXIfr

🔒 Building Insurance Services: * Howden Insurance – Private Clients: https://www.howdeninsurance.co.uk/private-client/

📧 Connect with Steve Moores: * Email Steve: ⁠steve.moores@howdeninsurance.co.uk⁠ 👉 Subscribe to our channel for weekly episodes on building conservation, heritage homes, and expert advice. 👉 Book a consultation with us for 1-1 advice on managing your historic home on https://expertible.com

If you're a fan of home renovations, historic properties, or jaw-dropping transformations, you’ve likely heard of Greg—better known on social media as “Man with a Hammer.” In this episode, we dive into his epic journey of restoring the Admiral’s House, a massive 8000-square-foot ex-Naval officer’s quarters in Plymouth, into a stunning forever home. Built in 1804, this grand Georgian property boasts 30+ rooms, 5 floors, and 60+ windows—but it needed serious TLC. Greg shares his Yorkshire upbringing, his DIY struggles as the self-proclaimed 'office wally,' and the inspiration behind his gorgeous interior design style. We also explore the challenges of tackling such a huge solo renovation project. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast, a lover of historic homes, or just curious about this viral renovation story, this episode is packed with inspiration and insights. Don’t miss it! Link to Greg's Sunday Times Best Seller Book: https://bio.to/ManWithAHammer #oldbuildings #restoration #interiordesign #conservation

In this episode we explore what many homeowners have experienced during the purchase process of buying an older property; the dreaded "you require a separate timber/damp survey".

Stephen and Rich discuss the reasons you may get such a requirement, usually from your mortgage lender, the history that surrounds it and finally what people can do about it to ensure you both satisfy the lending conditions but also do what is appropriate for your home.

Thanks for listening.

Links:

Joint Position Statement, September 2022: "Investigation of moisture and its effects on traditional buildings" - https://www.rics.org/profession-standards/rics-standards-and-guidance/sector-standards/building-surveying-standards/investigation-of-moisture-and-its-effect-on-traditional-building

To book a consultation with a heritage professional regarding damp & timber: https://expertible.com

#conservation #surveyor #oldhouse