House of the Messenger

Lime mortar has been an essential building material for centuries, valued for its workability, durability, and role in historic masonry. During the early 18th century, mortar was primarily composed of lime and sand, mixed with water to form a paste-like consistency. Builders adjusted the proportions of these ingredients based on the quality of lime available, ensuring optimal performance in masonry work.   Composition and Preparation of Lime Mortar The fundamental components of lime mortar were: Lime (either stone-lime or chalk-lime) Sand (coarse and fine, in varying proportions) Water (added carefully to control consistency) Builders recognized that higher-quality lime could accommodate more sand, making it more economical and structurally sound. For example, chalk-lime , though similar to stone-lime when first burned, quickly absorbed carbon dioxide from the air, reducing its effectiveness. This necessitated different mixing ratios: 150 pecks (3...