If you have a masonry building built before 1930, there is a good chance you have a masonry-built home using lime mortar. Lime mortar has been around since ancient times. Most of those structures are still standing today because of the use of lime mortar within those structures. Lime mortar only has three ingredients: (lime, sand, and water) which are abundant resources today.

Using lime mortar improves the quality of the historic stone or brick bond. Most historic masonry specialists enjoy using lime mortars because of their increased workability. Noticing lime mortar on a structure or building shows and enables quality workmanship on your historic home. Lime mortar provides an exceptional appearance by allowing the aggregates/sand to appear within the lime mortar.

When the selected mortar is harder than the brick or stone that surrounds it, the brick or stone becomes sacrificial instead of the mortar. When water absorbs through a masonry structure, water will follow through the path of least resistance. When the mortar is softer, it will allow the water to evaporate through the mortar and protect the brick or stone.

Selecting the correct mortar, before your historic stone or brick project starts is a process that should not be skipped to ensure longevity of your home or structure. Consulting with a masonry specialist, who works with historical masonry, is the best way to ensure your masonry is long-lasting and durable. The same goes for modern masonry; The mortar should always be softer than the brick or stone it is bonded to. Due to modern cement-based mortars, you can still ensure your masonry-built home or structure will be long-lasting and durable.

Using lime mortar for historic natural stone or brick ensures your project has the durability, breathability, and stature of good workmanship.