Most traditional, old buildings were built using lime, until around 1920, when cement and gypsum were introduced. Although slower to build with and requiring specialist knowledge and skill, lime allows buildings to ‘breathe’ by the natural evaporation of moisture, due to the porous nature of the mortar. Lime also allows for the natural movement of the building as it is softer and more flexible than modern, cement based materials.

You need Listed Building Consent for any works that affect the building's character as a building of special interest. This includes internal changes. Contact your local council for more information

The idea that old house are cold and damp is not true. It is the introduction of modern materials such as gypsum, cement and non permeable insulation that lead to damp problems. Due to their impervious nature they trap moisture in the building and ultimately cause dmage to the structure

Pointing is filling the gap between bricks or stone in a building.

Lime mortar in historic buildings was designed to be the sacrificial element. Softer than the stone or brick it holds,it absorbs movement and allows moisture to escape through the joints rather than through the masonry.