Published on 15/05/2024 by Technical Team
The most significant advantage of lime plaster is its breathability, or vapor permeability. Unlike modern gypsum plasters or cement-based renders, lime allows moisture to move freely through the walls. In older buildings constructed with solid walls (no cavity), this is crucial. Moisture from the ground or atmosphere is naturally absorbed and then evaporated back out. If you trap this moisture with modern, non-permeable materials, it eventually forces its way into the timber frame or brickwork, leading to damp and rot.
Period properties are living structures that move with the seasons. Lime is a "soft" material that can accommodate subtle shifts in a building's structure without cracking. This self-healing property (autogenous healing) means that fine hairline cracks can actually seal themselves over time when exposed to air and moisture, maintaining the integrity of your interior finishes.
Lime is a more sustainable choice than cement. The production of lime occurs at lower temperatures, resulting in lower CO2 emissions. Furthermore, as lime plaster cures, it actually re-absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through a process called carbonation, effectively neutralizing a portion of its carbon footprint over its lifetime.
Beyond the technical benefits, lime plaster offers a unique aesthetic quality. Its soft, slightly irregular texture and the way it interacts with light provide a warmth and character that modern materials simply cannot replicate. For listed buildings, using lime is often a legal requirement, but even for unlisted period homes, it is the only way to preserve the authentic 'feel' of the property.
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