Repointing with a cement lime mix

[McAhuna]

Hi
I wonder if anyone would be good enough to advise please.

We have a 1928 house where the brickwork needs repointing. I have heard that using a lime cement mix is better for environmental reasons.

I suggested to our builder that he use this Blue Circle product, but he is reluctant saying it is only for older properties. Is this right? There is nothing in the product advertising or reviews to suggest this is the case.Many thanks

http://www.wickes.co.uk/Blue-Circle...43364522812|&gclid=CKPXkrC8ucQCFesBwwodUz4AAA

 

[^woody^]

You would only use lime mortar if the existing mortar is lime. I'm not sure what you are referring to in terms of "better for the environment" - you need to use what is suitable for your house.

 

[McAhuna]

Thanks
The product is a cement/lime mix, but even then it should only be used if the original mortar was lime?

The environmental benefits include all the things mentioned on this site
http://www.buildinglimesforum.org.uk/why-use-lime

 

[^woody^]

That product contains lime merely as a plasticiser ( to aid workability) and it sets rock hard like any cement mix. It is not a lime mortar and the builder is not quite correct, in that the product can be used on any property, although it may dry a lighter colour than just cement mortar.

The benefits of lime as a construction material only exist when used as part of a wider design and in combination with other materials and construction methods. You get no benefit of repointing in lime mortar. And you should only repoint in the same type of mortar as what is there now.

 

[McAhuna]

Thanks Woody thats really useful.