Summary
Not all limes are the same. From air limes and lime putties to natural hydraulic limes and hot-mixed mortars, each has distinct properties that influence how it performs in different construction and conservation contexts.
Selecting the right lime is not simply about strength. Good practice requires understanding the characteristics of the host masonry and ensuring the mortar is compatible, often meaning it should be softer and more permeable than the surrounding stone or brick.
Following the successful Building with Lime introductory webinar, this second session in the ASBP Lime Group series focuses on how to choose the most appropriate lime for a given application. Adam Brown of Cornish Lime will explain the main categories of building lime, how they are defined within current standards, and how factors such as exposure conditions, substrate compatibility and moisture behaviour influence specification decisions.
Additional speakers from the ASBP Lime Group will present case studies and join a discussion on the practicalities of specifying and using lime-based mortars, plasters and renders in real projects.
The ASBP Lime Group brings together leading UK manufacturers and suppliers of lime-based products to collaborate on improving understanding of lime in construction through research, guidance, knowledge sharing and collective advocacy.
What you will learn
Building on the introductory Building with Lime session (see recording here), this webinar will take a deeper look at how to select the most appropriate lime for different applications.
Participants will:
- Gain a clearer understanding of the main types of building lime, including air limes, lime putties and natural hydraulic limes, and how they differ in performance and application.
- Learn how factors such as substrate, exposure conditions, moisture behaviour and compatibility influence the correct choice of lime mortar, plaster or render.
- Explore practical examples of lime use across a range of contexts including new build, retrofit and historic buildings.
- Hear from members of the ASBP Lime Group and learn how manufacturers and suppliers are working collaboratively to improve knowledge and guidance on lime products.
- Take part in a live discussion and Q&A addressing common specification questions and challenges.
Who should attend
This session is aimed at construction professionals who want to better understand how to specify and use lime-based materials appropriately across both new build and refurbishment projects.
It will be particularly relevant for:
- Architects and specifiers working on low-carbon, breathable or healthy buildings
- Surveyors and conservation professionals involved in the repair of traditional buildings
- Contractors and tradespeople working with lime mortars, plasters and renders
- Housing providers and retrofit practitioners working with solid wall buildings
- Developers, clients and project managers interested in natural and low-impact construction materials
While lime is often associated with historic buildings, it is increasingly used in contemporary construction. Lime mortars and renders can support vapour-open wall assemblies, reduce embodied carbon compared with cement-based materials, and help manage moisture within building fabric, making them relevant for both modern building design and retrofit projects.
Key details and registration
Date: Tuesday 21st April 2026
Time: 11:00-12:30
Cost: Free for ASBP members, £10+VAT for members of partner* organisations, £20+VAT general admission
Location: Online (Zoom)
*Partner organisations include: Architects Climate Action Network (ACAN), AECB – Association for Environment Conscious Building, British Woodworking Federation, CIBSE, The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), CIRIA, Fit for the Future Network, Finishes and Interiors Sector, Good Homes Alliance, Institute of Demolition Engineers, Interior Design Declares – UK, National Federation of Demolition Contractors, natureplus, Passivhaus Trust, SuperHomes, Sustainable Traditional Building Alliance, The Green Register, Timber Development UK and Woodknowledge Wales.
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Event supported by the ASBP Lime Group
