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BADLY REPAIRED BRICKWORK | | BRICKS REPLACED AND REPOINTED | | CEMENT POINTING REMOVED | | REPOINTED AND PINNED WITH LIME |
Much harm can be done to older buildings as a result of inappropriate repairs and modernisation work and the use of modern materials that have the unfortunate effect of suffocating old houses that need to BREATHE
One of the most damaging applications is where traditional lime mortar has been removed and replaced using impervious modern cement mortar.
This traps moisture in the structure which can lead to poor insulation,decay,and also frost damage to the brick faces.
Lime mortar is porous and allows moisture to evaporate,helping to keep a building free of so called damp
Lime mortar is a relatively softer mortar which is another of its advantages,as old buildings are made on shallow foundations,they frequently move over time,lime mortar will allow this movement to occur across a large area and through the mortar joint rather than through the bricks.
It is therefor vital to ensure the correct materials(sands and limes) and ratios are used.
With a wide variety of limes available it is important to choose the correct lime for purpose and also the correct sand
Please be aware just by putting hydrated lime in with a sand and cement mix will not make a breathable mortar,this will only improve the plasticity and workability of the mix.
As with any work, preparation is the key to success you can have the best materials and lime mixes possible,but if the background is unstable,dusty,dirty,mouldy,then it will fail.