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Masonry Services |
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Masonry cement is a mixture of Portland cement, ground limestone and air entrainment (in the form of soap). This mixture creates a mortar with properties that can actually damage historic brick:
- Masonry cement is hard and inflexible. Because the bricks on historic homes are softer than modern cement, bricks may be damaged as the wall moves and shifts.
- Masonry cement traps moisture (vapor impermeable), which can cause the face of the brick to explode.
- Masonry cement has a lower bond strength, which results in a poorer bond to the brick.
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Lime mortar is made of burned limestone, rather than ground limestone. This burning process is what gives lime mortar the properties that are required for historic masonry restoration.
- Lime mortar has low compression strength and high flexibility. It absorbs movement and protects the bricks from the effects of settling and expansion and contraction.
- Lime mortar is vapor permeable making it capable of relieving moisture which has been absorbed by the bricks.
- Lime particles are much smaller than Portland cement particles, resulting in greater bond strength to masonry units.
- Lime mortar does not require air entrainment, so it adheres better and remains more leak resistant.
- Lime mortar is self-healing. Moisture from rain causes small cracks to knit back together.
- Lime mortar absorbs more water than masonry cement, which will help keep the inside of your building dry.
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Choosing the right mortar is very important, as is choosing the right masonry contractor.
The Durable Slate Company is certified and trained by The U.S. Heritage group for the application of lime mortar. We understand the unique properties of historic masonry such as:
- Finding the appropriate mortar mix for your property
- Proper preparation of the masonry joints to make the repair last as long as the original masonry
- Matching the existing mortar, especially when spot-pointing small areas on a wall
Choose Lime Mortar
for all your historic masonry applications.
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If you plan to undertake a historic renovation, and would like a consultation, please Contact us.
We follow National Park Service preservation guidelines when working on historic properties.
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