(Analysis: $125. Custom Lime Mortar Mixing after analysis: $110 per 5 gallons.)
- *This service is only available to those who come pick up the lime mortar in person in Athens, NY.

About the analysis:
The purpose of the mortar analysis is to replicate the existing mortar in both appearance and performance while meeting the criteria of the National Park Service Preservation Brief 2, "Repointing Mortar Joints in Historic Masonry Buildings", as well as those described in Ellen Hagsten's guidelines for Traditional and Sustainable Building.

After receiving a sample of the original historic lime mortar, we chemically remove the binder from the aggregate using a dilute acid solution. After drying the aggregate, it is viewed under magnification to determine the characteristics of the particles (including color, gradation, shape, and size). A sieve separation process will establish the distribution of particles by a percentage of total weight. Once we have identified the physical qualities of the original historic mortar, we take into account any known information about the location and date of the sample's origins, and make adjustments to the gradation based on the intended use of the mortar. We match the original sand as closely as possible in terms of color, size, shape and gradation. Once the analysis of the void space ratio and particle size distribution of aggregates is completed we are able to create a site-ready mortar sample to match your home's original lime mortar.

If you will need more than the 5 gallons of Custom Mixed Mortar that comes with this package, you can order more for $110 per 5 gallons.

To order: call 518-945-1253 or email: info@howardhallfarm.com

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Raw Putty

$75 for 5 gallons

To order or for more information: call 518-945-1253 or email: info@howardhallfarm.com

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More Information

About Lime Mortar

Lime-sand only mortars are more plastic and better accommodate any settling or movement in the wall than cements, which do not adjust to changes around them once they set. Although lime stuccoes and limewashes are more breathable, they also have better water shedding characteristics. Cement stucco is likely to crack under stress or movement, allowing a route for water inﬁltration into the interior where it will be trapped. In contrast, lime stucco can better adjust to early movements in the building because it does not set fully all the way through immediately, but only as the interior more slowly carbonates. Any tiny cracks that open can be resealed as acidic rainwater enters those cracks either draws some of the remaining calcium hydroxide into the crack or as the slightly acidic rainwater partially dissolves calcium carbonate along the edge of the crack temporarily creating calcium bicarbonate and re-deposits it toward the front of the crack as calcium carbonate again. This self-healing characteristic of lime is well described in the literature as“autogenous healing.”

Click here to read the National Park Service's Brief: "Repointing Mortar Joints in Historic Masonry Buildings"

About Historic Lime Plaster

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