JB Construction & Restoration

Why Lime?

Evidence of the use of lime in construction dates back to 4000 BC for use in construction of the Egyptian Pyramids. Historically, lime could be used in a variety of ways in construction including whitewash, mortars, plasters, and stucco/renders. Lime for these applications was produced by burning limestone in small, hillside kilns near the jobsite. Quicklime produced by these kilns was placed into pits where water was added. Slaked quicklime was soaked for long periods of time to insure suitable working characteristics for the mortar.

Today, lime-based mixes are the logical choices for restoring historic buildings for several reasons:

1. High lime content mortars and plasters are compatible with historic materials. For example, buildings over 100 years old may have hand pressed brick which have low compressive strength. If walls containing these units are pointed with a mortar with a high cement content, as the building expands and contracts, the masonry units can be damaged.
   
   
2. Mortars, plasters and stuccos having high levels of lime are vapor permeable. This reduces the potential for damage due to water buildup in the wall.
   
   
3. Use of lime-based products can replicate original building practices.

An example of JB repointed Georgian twin chimney stack using traditonal lime mortar.

Old lime making kilm.