What is Natural Lime?
Lime is a traditional and highly breathable construction material that has been used for centuries to protect and preserve buildings while allowing them to naturally manage moisture. Unlike modern cement, lime works with a building rather than against it, permitting water vapour to pass through walls and reducing the risk of trapped moisture, cracking and decay. Lime is available in several forms, each suited to different applications: quicklime is the raw, highly reactive form created by firing limestone; when combined with water it produces hot lime, a traditional material valued for its strong bond and flexibility. Slaking quicklime with excess water creates lime putty, a smooth, workable material ideal for fine plastering and pointing. Non-hydraulic lime sets slowly by absorbing carbon dioxide from the air, making it especially suitable for historic and solid-wall buildings. Hydrated lime is a dry, powdered form of non-hydraulic lime, offering convenience while retaining breathability. Natural Hydraulic Lime (NHL) contains natural clays that allow it to set with water, providing greater strength and durability for exposed or external applications. Premixed limes combine lime with carefully graded aggregates for consistency and ease of use on site. Widely used in conservation, restoration and sustainable construction, lime-based materials help regulate humidity, prevent mould growth, and extend the life of buildings while maintaining their character and structural integrity.
Stand the Test of Time with Lime!
There’s a reason it has been used for centuries and why those buildings still stand today.
01
Scud / Prepping Coat
The scud or prepping coat is the first preparatory layer applied to masonry or solid walls to stabilise the surface and improve adhesion for subsequent coats. It helps bind loose material, evens out suction, and prepares the background to receive lime-based mortars or renders. This stage is essential for ensuring long-term performance, particularly on older or irregular substrates.
02
Pointing / Jointing
Pointing or jointing involves filling and finishing the joints between masonry units using a compatible lime mortar. This process protects the structure from water ingress while maintaining breathability, allowing moisture to escape naturally through the joints rather than the masonry. Proper lime pointing also accommodates natural movement, reducing cracking and preserving the integrity of historic and solid-wall buildings.
03
Scratch / Render Coat
The scratch or render coat forms the main body of a lime render system, providing strength, durability, and a breathable protective layer to the wall. Applied thicker than the finish coat, it is keyed or “scratched” to create a strong mechanical bond for subsequent layers. This coat helps regulate moisture, protect against weathering, and create a stable base for the final finish.
04
Skim / Finish Coat
The skim or finish coat is the final decorative layer, delivering a smooth or textured appearance while retaining full breathability. It enhances the aesthetic of the surface while allowing vapour to pass through, preventing trapped moisture and surface defects. Lime finish coats are particularly suited to heritage and sustainable construction, combining visual appeal with long-term performance.
What types of Lime are there?
Warmth. Comfort. Control.
Breathable insulation systems are versatile and can be used in a wide range of applications, from interior and exterior insulation to sustainable construction, restoration projects, and energy-efficient retrofits. Their moisture-regulating properties, thermal performance, and eco-friendly formulations make them ideal for creating healthy, comfortable, and durable living environments across both residential and commercial settings.
Products
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