When most people think about repointing or restoring their home, they think about cost. And understandably so. But what if the material that costs a little more upfront was the one investment that actually saves you money (and the planet) in the long run?

To be honest, that’s the case for lime. But it’s not just heritage restoration builders like us that say so. Let’s take a look at what we mean by that:

A 2,000-Year Track Record — For Good Reason

Did you know that lime mortar has been used in construction for over two millennia? 

The Romans relied on it to build structures like the Pantheon and the Colosseum that still stand today, whilst buildings across Britain constructed before the 1880s were almost universally built with lime as their mortar of choice. However, as time went by, it wasn’t replaced because something better came along. It was replaced as cement was faster and cheaper to produce. 

Long story short, speed won over substance.

But this is where the tide is turning. As environmental and structural costs of cement become clearer, lime is enjoying a very well-deserved revival.

The Environmental Numbers Are Stark

Let’s break it down. 

As uncovered in an article by NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council), cement is one of the single largest contributors to global carbon emissions. With production accounting for up to 90% of its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, it is responsible for roughly 8% of all carbon dioxide produced worldwide. And frankly, that’s a staggering figure for one building material.

Lime, on the other hand, tells a completely different story. 

By switching to a quality pre-mixed lime mortar, it can result in up to 97% less embodied CO₂ compared to a cement-based equivalent. The reason lies in what’s known as the lime cycle.

Unlike cement, lime mortars actively reabsorb carbon dioxide during their curing process and continue to recarbonate throughout their in-use life. Thus, creating a closed-loop process that results in near-zero net carbon emissions. 

In addition to that, introducing lime also requires only half the energy needed to manufacture cement. Therefore, reducing emissions significantly at the production stage alone. And when you add it all up, choosing lime isn’t a small environmental gesture. It’s a genuine, meaningful one.

But, What Does It Mean for Your Building (and Your Wallet)?

Beyond the environmental benefits, lime makes sound financial sense, particularly for period and heritage properties.

The core issue with cement on older buildings is breathability. To put it into perspective, traditional masonry buildings constructed before 1920 were designed to manage moisture by allowing walls to breathe. And lime mortar enables this by helping prevent damp, mould and decay that arise when walls become saturated by trapped moisture. 

But apply cement to these buildings, and you risk sealing that moisture in. Which over time, causes the surrounding brickwork or stonework to deteriorate from within. Resulting in repairs that can run into thousands of pounds.

No one wants that, which is why homeowners across Cheshire should understand that lime mortar can last for centuries in historical properties. Not only because of its flexibility and breathability, but it even has the ability to heal its own small cracks over time.

By contrast, cement on an older property tends to fail far sooner. Plus, it takes the masonry with it!

So done correctly with the right materials, a property typically needs repointing only once every 50 to 100 years. Poor repointing with cement mortar on a lime-built property, however, can cause brick damage within just 10 to 20 years — potentially requiring expensive remediation work well ahead of schedule.

In short, cutting corners on materials now tends to cost significantly more later.

The Right Choice for Listed and Heritage Properties

As the construction industry is under growing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint, material choice is one of the most direct levers available. For homeowners, property managers and developers working on period buildings, lime isn’t a compromise or a nostalgia trip. And with local planning authorities increasingly mandating lime mortar for heritage and conservation work, using the wrong material can lead to enforcement action or costly reversal work.

Overall, lime is the technically superior, environmentally responsible, and financially smarter choice. Though it takes a little longer to set, it’s something built to last a century, which seems like a perfectly reasonable trade.

At K Blythin Brick & Stonework, every lime mortar mix is tailor-made to match the existing fabric of the building. Using local sands and carefully examining existing mortar as a guide, our craftsmen create a blend that works with the building, not against it.

Thus, preserving its character and protecting it for generations to come.

Getting Expert Intervention

K Blythin Brick & Stonework Ltd is an experienced, family-run business from Chester with over 60 years of combined experience in the brick and stone-working trade. 

We handle all manner of brickwork and stonework from lime mortar pointing & brick laying to paving & drystone walls. Rest assured, we’re qualified in heritage practices, so this means we can assist with restoration and improvements to listed properties and buildings of historical importance. 

So if you’re interested, get in touch with our team today.