Lime Mortar Recipe for old masonary

[HB2]

NO PORTLAND CEMENT!

Lime helps old buildings last a long time because it is so moisture permeable that it draws moisture out of the structure, keeping everything nice and dry.

ANY AMOUNT OF PORTLAND CEMENT WILL NEGATE THAT EFFECT.

Additionally, portland cement realeases sulfur salts into the surrounding areas when it gets wet and they have a cancerous effect on the surrounding masonary units/original bedding mortar, etc.

You can see this effect on old buildings in the form of effluorescence (little sparkly crystals visible on the wall).

Burlap is a great way to keep any masonary work damp while curing. Most of my work has been inside, so I just use a spray botttle to mist the wall a few times a day.

Good Luck - HB

P.S. With repoiting a house, remember to start atht etoip and work your way down. That way the wall above where you're working is nice and strong and there's less chance of settling when you remove the old pointing/mortar.