Subject Guides: Masonry: Mortars and Lime

Edwardian Farm (BBC) - lime kilns and slaking lime

Edwardian Farm - Opens in a new window
A compilation from the BBC series "Edwardian Farm", highlighting lime kilns and slaking lime putty.

Online resources

APT (Association for Preservation Technology) Practice Points - Opens in a new window
Practice Points include:
-Mortar analysis Part 1: Mortar-making materials
-Mortar analysis Part 2: Analytical methods
-Mortar analysis Part 3: Buying the right services
-Nondestructive evaluation : structural analysis of masonry
-Conditions glossaries as a tool in the survey process
Cold weather protection requirements for a low-strength repointing mortar - Opens in a new window
Paper presented at the 10th Canadian Masonry Symposium, Banff AB, June 8 - 12, 2005
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This paper assesses whether the 28-day protection period for a low strength Portland cement/lime repointing mortar before exposure to freezing temperatures could be reduced. This requirement, by the Heritage Conservation Directorate at Public Works & Government Services
Canada, was used for repointing mortars in the conservation of historic masonry.
Essays on hydraulics and common mortars and on lime burning...with brief observations on common mortars, hydraulic mortars and concretes... J.G. Totten (1838) - Opens in a new window
Key considerations for repointing mortars for the conservation of older masonry - Opens in a new window
NRC. Institute for Research in Construction.
...key considerations for durable repointing mortars that contribute to the preservation of Canada’s older masonry buildings.
Lime (mortars, renders, limewash, etc.) - articles from Building Conservation (UK) - Opens in a new window
Information resources for conservation, restoration and repairs
Lime mortars and plasters (LMP) project - Opens in a new window
A Getty Conservation Institute project identifying and interpreting current scientific info on high-calcium mortar including nanostructure and behaviour, aging, carbonation, organic additive, etc.
Preservation of lime mortars and plasters bibliography - Opens in a new window
The Getty Conservation Institute. 2003
Repointing mortars for older masonry buildings -design considerations - Opens in a new window
Construction Technology Update #67 / NRC. Institute for Research in Construction
Permanent damage to older masonry walls and premature failure of repointing work can result from improper selection and application of repointing mortars.
This Update describes key design elements for achieving successful repointing of masonry walls to provide a longer service life for both the masonry units and the mortar.
Repointing mortars for older masonry buildings - site considerations - Opens in a new window
Construction Technology Update #68 / NRC. Institute for Research in Construction.
This Update presents information critical to the successful application of repointing mortars for the conservation of older masonry buildings.
Studies in lime : a reference and a guide for architects and builders (1924) - Opens in a new window

Associations and Organizations

Building Limes Forum - Opens in a new window
The Building Limes Forum's purposes are to encourage expertise and understanding in the appropriate use of building limes and education in the standards of production, preparation, application and after-care and thereby...
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advance education in the appropriate use of lime in building, whether in traditional structures or new-build;
advance the art, heritage, culture and science of building limes through exchange of information and expertise, promotion of traditional building skills, development of appropriate industrial and craft skills and techniques, and participation in research;
advance environmental protection or improvement through the promotion of the appropriate use of building limes.
National Lime Association - Opens in a new window
NLA is comprised of U.S. and Canadian commercial lime companies, suppliers to lime companies, and foreign lime companies and trade associations.
Includes a list of US and Canadian lime companies.