Are you new to historic home ownership? Or perhaps you’ve heard conflicting advice about how to maintain your period property?
Well, the world of lime mortar (despite its 2,000-year history) is full of modern misconceptions. And that’s why our skilled craftsmen at K. Blythin are here to provide clarity. Keep scrolling to see the five biggest myths we hear about pointing historic properties, and the reality behind them:
| Myth | Reality |
| 1. Lime mortar is weak and crumbles easily. | Busted! Lime mortar’s relative softness is its strength. Its flexibility allows it to absorb movement and act as a sacrificial element, protecting the harder stone or brick. Correctly applied, lime work lasts for hundreds of years as it has self-healing properties called carbonation. |
| 2. Cement is cheaper and quicker, so it’s better for your budget. | Busted! Any initial saving is a honestly false economy. Cement traps moisture, quickly causing costly damage (damp and spalling) to the masonry. Which is why the eventual cost of remedial work far outweighs the initial savings on a cheap cement repair. |
| 3. All lime mortar is the same, so any bag will do. | Busted! Lime mortar must be tailored. There are different types (e.g. Natural Hydraulic Lime) suited to different structures and environments. So getting the right type, consistency and local sand for a bespoke mix is essential for success. |
| 4. You can use a power washer to clean the wall before repointing. | Busted! High-pressure washing can be highly destructive. If not correctly, it can erode the face of soft masonry and blast excessive moisture deep into the wall. Which is why we favour gentle, conservation-appropriate cleaning methods to prepare the area without causing irreversible damage. |
| 5. Lime work is high maintenance. | Busted! When performed professionally by experts like us, lime pointing ensures the long-term health and durability of the wall structure. It actually reduces the need for costly maintenance and decay repairs over time by allowing the building to function as intended. |
Ultimately, proper lime pointing is a crucial, preventative measure that ensures your historic building can breathe and remain structurally sound for generations to come.
To learn more from our experienced, family-run business, get in touch with us at at 07877 812 669 or info@kblythinstonemasons.co.uk.
