"We care about the past"
Traditional Lime putty Also known as slaked lime, has been at the base for producing lime mortar in masonry construction for millennia. The simple facts are that the original lime mortar which structures were built with thousands of years ago is, in many instances, still in good condition and remarkably uncompromised.
Recently introduced (1870) Portland based "cements" developed during the Industrial Revolution gained wide use as a modern "improvement" replacing almost entirely the production and use of taditional lime putty binders of the past worldwide.
These modern "improvements" recently have been found, by a growing number of scientists and practitioners, to fall short compared to the traditional lime mortar in many masonry applications.
Portland based cement used in historic restoration applications are also the cause of accelerated and irreversible damage due to their higher compressive strength and the inclusion of gypsum and harmful sulfites among other factors.
Recently, an interest in the production and use of traditional lime mortar in restoration and building construction has reemerged however rarely masonry contractors retain the necessary knowledge and skills to properly utilize these traditional materials.
In Europe and England the tradition of producing slaked lime, building and decorating using lime mortar and plaster has never been entirely lost and high quality traditional lime putty for restoration and green building is still produced.
Florentine Renaissance Masonry proudly provides services for all aspects of Historic masonry restoration. We strictly use traditional lime putty, specialty aggregates and pozzolans produced specifically for restoration purposes directly from Europe through Renaissance Lime Putty. Our extensive knowledge of the differeent properties of lime putty, NHLs (Natural Hydraulic Lime), Natural Cement, OPC (ordinary Portland cement) pozzolans, and aggregates allows us to formulate mortars, specific to each application. We have been involved in the use of lime mortar for many years and have since built experience, knowledge and a deep understanding of the material's abilities, limitations and applications procedures.
We are able to match mortar composition, color and style resulting in seamless transitions between the original and the restored area on brick or stone, repointing and reconstruction, plaster and stucco work.
The use of our lime based material is also applicable for LEED-USCG credits in green building projects.
For more information on the quality of the material we utilize in our restoration work following this link: limeputty.us