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Why Lime mortar is better than cement for building restoration.....

Why Lime Mortar is Better Than Cement for Building Restoration When it comes to restoring or maintaining historic and traditional buildings, the choice of mortar makes all the difference. Many homeowners and builders reach for modern cement, but cement can cause more harm than good when used on older structures. That’s where lime mortar comes in — a traditional, breathable, and flexible material that’s stood the test of time for centuries. At WH Lime Suppliers, we specialise in lime products, from NHL mortars to lime putty mixes and limewash. Here’s why lime mortar is the best choice for your restoration project. ---  Breathability That Protects Your Walls Old buildings were designed to breathe. Lime mortar allows moisture to move through the wall and evaporate naturally, preventing trapped damp and mould. Cement, on the other hand, seals walls too tightly, often leading to crumbling bricks and internal damp issues. ---  Flexibility That Reduces Cracking Unlike cement, lime mortar is slightly flexible. This means it can adjust to the natural movement of a building without cracking. Cement is rigid — when a wall moves or settles, cement joints often crack and fail, leaving the structure vulnerable. ---  Kind to Original Brick and Stone Lime is softer than historic bricks and stones, which is exactly how it should be. This ensures that if any movement or weathering occurs, the mortar takes the stress instead of the brick. Cement is harder than old brick, which can lead to spalling and permanent damage. ---  Environmentally Friendly Lime mortar is one of the most sustainable building materials available. It absorbs carbon dioxide as it cures, offsetting part of its production footprint. Choosing lime means supporting greener building practices. ---  Which Lime Should You Use? NHL 2 – softer, for internal work and sheltered exteriors. NHL 3.5 – general-purpose, ideal for most external walls. NHL 5 – stronger, for exposed or marine environments. Lime Putty Mortar – for fine plastering and traditional pointing. At WH Lime Suppliers, we stock all grades of NHL limes, dry mixes, lime putty mortars, and limewash — ready to go for your next project. ---  Why Buy From WH Lime Suppliers? All mixes made with the finest quality lime. Available pre-mixed to your requirements. Delivered across the UK from our workshop in Ramsgate. Expert advice always available. ---  Final Word If you’re repairing, restoring, or even building new with a traditional look, lime mortar is the right choice. It protects your building, ensures longevity, and gives you a beautiful, authentic finish.  Browse our full range of lime products today at www.whlimesuppliers.co.uk or call Simon (07543 878310) / Stephen (07944 973338) for advice and orders.


 
 
 

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