OXFORD LIME MORTAR LTD

We undertake a variety of contracts both externally and internally to sensitively conserve or repair original fabric but where replacement is required such materials will be sourced to retain the authenticity of the building. Associated work with lead, timber, lathes and other materials is also carried out. In addition we carry out consultancy and training to assist owners to do their own repair work. Lime as a pointing or plaster will, under normal conditions, last for many decades. It will often outlive and outperform modern cement mortars.

These traditional mortars have been used for centuries to allow moisture to evaporate naturally from buildings and thus enable damp to be minimised and reduce structural damage. With the addition of breathable paints contemporary finishes can be maintained to give a higher quality and more textured finish than with modern mortars. In its natural state lime (as a derivative of limestone) must be used with caution and as a mortar should be applied with care. When mixed with predominantly sharp sand to create a workable mortar its colour can be varied through the use of different coloured sands.

When applied correctly it allows buildings to ‘breathe’ by helping moisture to evaporate naturally. Its application can be as a pointing, plaster or render and it can be used in its many and varied forms in most aspects of a building. Lime is especially useful in solid wall construction on buildings that date from a Norman Church to a 20th century brick house.