What is ‘lime’?
In essence, ‘lime’ refers to quicklime and is made by heating limestone at high temperatures in a kiln. Lime has been used in construction as a binder in mortars and plasters for thousands of years, dating back to the days of the Roman Empire and beyond.
The introduction of cement in the 19th century led to a steep decline in their use but lime products have since had a renaissance. Evidence has shown that the use of impervious cement mortars and modern plasters on traditional buildings can cause significant damage. As such, lime products are seen as the ideal solution for conservation and restoration projects.
However, they are equally suited to modern new build development and there are a range of readily available product solutions available to support the development of healthy, low carbon homes and buildings.
Upcoming webinar: How to Choose the Most Appropriate Lime
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.
This second session in the ASBP Lime Group series focuses on how to choose the most appropriate lime for a given application.
Launch webinar - 'Building with Lime'
Catch up on the recording from the group’s launch webinar on 21st May 2025.
An introduction to lime building products from ASBP’s new community of practice of leading manufacturers, suppliers and experts.
Get to know our group members and hear about case studies using lime products including new build, refurbishment, residential and commercial.
The ASBP 'Lime Group'
The ASBP Lime Group brings together the leading manufacturers and suppliers of lime-based products (plasters, renders, mortars) in the UK, to work collaboratively and better communicate the many benefits of these types of products.
Following a number of exploratory meetings in 2024, the group formally launched in May 2025 with a kick-off webinar – ‘Building with Lime‘.
The group is led by ASBP Director Richard Broad with support from Larry Tate (Projects and Comms) and Simon Corbey (CEO).
Like with our other groups on natural fibre insulation and healthy paints & finishes, proposed outputs include peer-reviewed briefing papers, agreeing on harmonised language and the use of consistent terminology, collective advocacy, responding to consultations, knowledge sharing events and webinars, external speaking opportunities and collaboration on research projects.
The group is open to ASBP members who are involved in the production, marketing and/or sale of lime-based building products (plasters, renders, mortars) in the UK.
The number of members in the group is not limited but all members should be able to work in good faith with others in the sector.
To enquire, please contact Richard Broad – richard@asbp.org.uk.
Register for an upcoming event
ASBP hosts regular online events, including short introductory webinars, bespoke tutorials and in-depth masterclasses.