Lime pointing, lime render and lime plaster in Kent

Why lime matters in older buildings

Most buildings put up before about the 1920s have solid walls with no cavity, and they manage moisture by letting it evaporate through the mortar, render and plaster. Lime is breathable and slightly flexible, so it lets this happen. Cement mortar and render are harder and much less permeable. On soft brick, ragstone or flint, they can trap moisture behind them, leading to damp inside, frost damage and brick faces that crumble away while the hard joints stand proud. Swapping failed cement for lime is one of the most common restoration jobs.

Repointing with the right mix

Good lime repointing starts by raking out loose or cement mortar carefully, without widening joints or chipping brick edges. The new mortar should be softer and more porous than the brick or stone around it, so that any movement or decay happens in the joint, which can be renewed, rather than in the masonry. Specialists match the colour and texture of the original, often with local sands, and protect fresh work from rain, sun and frost while it cures. Lime work is generally best done outside the coldest months.

Lime render and plaster

Lime render on older cottages and town houses is usually applied in several coats over a few weeks, then finished with limewash or a breathable mineral paint. Modern plastic-based masonry paints can trap moisture in much the same way as cement. Inside, lime plaster on lath or directly on masonry can often be patched rather than stripped. Hacking off old lime plaster and replacing it with gypsum can make damp worse in a solid-walled house. On a listed building, changing render or plaster finishes may need listed building consent, so check first.

Jobs we can find a restoration specialist for

Raking out cement and repointing in lime
Hot-mixed and hydraulic lime mortars
Lime render and limewash
Lath and lime plaster repairs
Ragstone and flint wall pointing
Advice on breathable finishes

Get a quote for lime pointing, lime render and lime plaster

Available across Kent

Dartford Gravesend Medway Maidstone Sevenoaks Tonbridge & Tunbridge Wells Ashford Canterbury Thanet Folkestone & Hythe Dover & Deal Swale

Other services

Sash window restoration and draught-proofing · Brick, stone and flint repairs · Timber frame and weatherboarding repairs · Period joinery, doors and staircases · Listed building works and consents

Lime pointing, lime render and lime plaster: common questions

Can I just use cement to repoint my old house?

It isn't usually recommended on soft old brick or stone. Cement is harder and less breathable, and can trap moisture and damage the masonry around it. A lime specialist can advise on a suitable mix.

Is lime work slower than cement?

Lime takes longer to cure and needs protecting from frost, heavy rain and strong sun while it does. Specialists plan around the weather, so larger jobs are often scheduled between spring and autumn.

Does my listed house need consent for repointing?

It can. Like-for-like repairs in a matching lime mortar may be acceptable, but changing the mortar type, joint style or appearance could need listed building consent. Check with the council's conservation officer first.