PSA: Lime mortar is actually worth the switch

I always avoided lime mortar because it sets slower and costs more. But on a recent project, the foreman explained how it cuts down on cracks in cold climates. Seeing how it handled temperature shifts without issues sold me. Now I push for lime mix on every job for its eco perks.

3 comments

3 Comments

theawest10d ago

That part about regular mortar turning to crumbs is SO real. I had the same thing happen on a brick walkway I did a few years back. Switched to lime mix for the repair and it hasn't budged since, even with our crazy temperature swings. The key is to let it cure slowly, don't rush it in cold weather. It costs more upfront but saves you a HUGE headache later.

sam_wood545d ago

Watch your regular cement mortar turn to dust after one winter and suddenly that lime mix price tag doesn't look so crazy. Honestly, it's like the cold weather itself is sending you a bill for using the wrong stuff. Now I just laugh when someone tries to cheap out, knowing they'll be redoing the work next spring.

tarajenkins10d ago

My buddy is a carpenter up in Maine and he swears by the stuff after a whole porch rebuild failed. The regular mortar just turned to crumbs after one bad winter of freeze and thaw cycles. He had to chip it all out and redo everything with lime mortar, which has held up for years now. It makes you wonder if some building codes should catch up for colder states, doesn't it? Have you used it on any outdoor projects yourself?