LIME PLASTERING

WHY USE LIME?

Lime plastering has had a renaissance in recent years I think partly due to a number of TV programmes promoting the benefits of using it. Lime is very beneficial to period properties, largely down to it's breathability and flexibility. Lime allows moisture to pass through it, moisture that may be present due to a lack of damp proofing. It also moves with the building better than cement, so there's less failure.

Shortly after I learnt the modern plastering ropes, I made the decision to get into Lime. I did practical and theoretical training with some top lime experts and have built up a lot of knowledge and practical experience over the years. I've worked in stately homes, churches, manor houses and many domestic cottages and houses.

The company quickly grew and cemented itself as the new golden standard in commercial construction. Today we continue to build on that legacy and strive for excellence in everything we do.

St Michael's Church - Highworth

Carried out the lime plastering during the Highworth church £1.2m renovations in 2018

WHICH TYPE OF LIME?

Whilst lime is an old tried and tested building material (see The Romans) it can be a bit confusing as to where to start with it all when you're new to it and thinking of using it in your home. Primarily, there are two types: non-hydraulic lime (sets by means of carbonation) and natural hydraulic lime (NHL) (sets with water). The abbreviations are similar and cause confusion, but they behave differently. The chief things to know are that non-hydraulic lime is a bit more flexible, but takes way longer to set and cure. NHL sets overnight and cures a lot quicker too, which speeds up decoration, it's breathability is still excellent and is what I use mostly in domestic situations. I tend to use non-hydraulic lime in historical settings, when specified by architects or English Heritage, where horse hair may be specified rather than a synthetic fibre.

Bath University

Plastering for Bath University who were testing natural proucts in a puropse built chamber at Wroughton airfield. I would plaster the test surfaces and the chamber would be flooded to see how the plaster reacted.

Longcot Church Ceiling

Carried out the full restoration of Longcot Church ceiling in 2012, using non-hydraulic lime. 18 tonnes in total