Lime-based mortars are flexible and pervious, allowing for shifts in older foundations and structures and facilitating the movement of moisture in and out walls. This malleability is paramount to ...

Scottish researchers have been taking lessons from the past to keep the country's historic buildings standing. Historic Scotland has been collaborating with Heriot-Watt University to find 21st century ...

Plaster made from lime is environment-friendly, repairable and sustainable. Despite this, lime plaster on historic buildings has been replaced in modern times by plaster containing Portland cement -- ...

Q: I’m about to undertake a complex project. I’ve got an older brick home that’s over 100 years old. There are places where the mortar needs attention. The bigger issue is a room addition we’ve got ...

Many ancient Chinese buildings have stood the test of time thanks to a secret ingredient in the mortar that binds their stones. The ingredient? Rice. Chinese builders incorporated sticky rice soup ...

DEAR TIM: My 10-year-old house developed some cosmetic cracks in the mortar. I got some bids to have tuck-pointing work done and nearly gagged when I looked at the cost. I’m wondering about using a ...

Q: My 10-year-old house developed some cosmetic cracks in the mortar. I got some bids to have tuck-pointing work done and nearly gagged. I'm wondering about using a special caulk I found that's made ...