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LIME.
Breathable. Beautiful. Built to Last.
Hot Lime Pointing & Heritage Mortars
We believe in building materials that respect the past and protect the future. Lime is central to that philosophy.
Lime mortar is a traditional building material used for centuries in historic construction. It’s made by mixing lime, sand, and water — but not all lime is the same.
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Hot Lime (or ‘hot mixed’ lime) is made by slaking quicklime directly with water and sand. It’s breathable, flexible, and ideal for conservation.
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Non - Hydraulic (includes hot lime mortars) are air curing mortars that draw carbon out of the atmosphere to cure.
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NHL (Natural Hydraulic Lime) comes in various strengths (NHL 2, 3.5, 5) and is often used in restoration work where faster setting is needed.
Lime mortars were standard in the UK until cement replaced them in the 20th century — but they’re now making a comeback in heritage building restoration for good reason.
What is Lime Mortar?
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Breathability: Lime allows moisture to evaporate naturally, helping older walls stay dry and healthy
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Flexibility: It moves with traditional structures, reducing the risk of cracking
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Aesthetics: It develops a soft, aged finish that blends beautifully with stone and historic materials
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Sustainability: With low embodied energy and long-term durability, lime is one of the most eco-friendly materials for building and repair
Benefits of Lime
Our Commitment
At Salthouse Stonemasonry, we're committed to reviving the use of traditional materials that honour the integrity of historic buildings. We specialise in the expert application of hot lime mortars, using methods rooted in centuries of craftsmanship. Every project is carried out in line with SPAB principles and current heritage conservation guidelines, ensuring authenticity, breathability, and long-term durability.
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