Always thought lime mortar was just for old buildings until a job in Savannah

I was working on a historic restoration down there, and the lead mason showed me a test from the National Park Service. It said lime mortar can flex up to 10 times more than modern cement mortar, which is why it doesn't crack old brick. I found the actual guide online after he mentioned it. Now I get why they insist on it for repointing. Has anyone else had to switch their thinking on mortar for a specific project?

3 comments

3 Comments

ross.christopher4d ago

Actually, I find cement holds up better.

robert_ross954d ago

Ever think about the carbon footprint difference?

the_jenny4d ago

Yeah, that guide totally changed my approach too.