FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Lime & Heritage Work
Is lime plastering just for listed houses?+
No. Lime plaster suits all older buildings, whether you live in a Victorian terraced house, a modest cottage, or one of Britain’s great stately homes. Any property built before 1919 was designed to be breathable, so lime is usually the best option for the breathability of your walls and the long-term health of the building.
Why can’t I just use cement or modern gypsum plaster on my old house?+
Pre-1919 buildings were designed to be breathable. Cement and gypsum are impermeable; they trap moisture inside the walls. This leads to rising damp, salt damp, timber rot, and severe damage to brickwork and masonry during frost cycles. Lime allows moisture vapour to evaporate freely.
How long does lime plaster take to dry?+
Lime cures rather than sets rapidly like modern gypsum. While initial set times vary depending on whether lime putty or natural hydraulic lime (NHL) is used, individual coats typically require several days to cure before the next coat can be applied. We carefully manage environment and curing times for optimum results.
What is Hempcrete, and why is it good for old homes?+
Hempcrete is a composite of natural hemp shiv and lime binder. It provides exceptional thermal insulation, absorbs CO2 as it cures, is completely natural, and is 100% breathable—making it the safest and most effective way to insulate solid-wall period properties without causing damp problems.
My damp proofing survey recommended a chemical injection damp proof course (DPC). Is this necessary?+
In most period properties, chemical damp proofing is ineffective and unnecessary. Solid brick and stone walls do not behave like modern cavity walls. Addressing ground levels, ventilation, drainage, and removing impermeable cement/gypsum usually solves damp issues permanently without destructive chemical treatments.
