Lime plaster specialists
Trace Basements are trusted damp proofing experts with decades of experience. We deliver tailored solutions for all building types, including lime plaster for heritage and eco-conscious homes.
Protect your home with breathable, natural plasters and renders
Trace Basements are trusted damp proofing experts with decades of experience. We deliver tailored solutions for all building types, including lime plaster for heritage and eco-conscious homes.
At Trace, we have decades of experience in addressing issues of dampness within all forms structures. In each case, solutions must be tailored to suit the variations with this including the form of structure. In heritage structures we offer lime plaster as a mechanism for managing dampness, a natural, breathable material ideal for heritage homes, period properties, and eco-conscious renovations.
Trace are industry leading experts in damp and the effect of moisture on buildings
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Why use breathable lime plaster?
Breathable & Damp-Resistant
Lime allows moisture to evaporate naturally, reducing condensation and helping walls to dry.
Ideal for Heritage & Period Properties
It is gentle on traditional materials and won’t crack, trap water, or damage stone, brick, or timber structures.
Environmentally Friendly
Made from natural materials with low embodied energy, lime plaster is a sustainable choice for eco homes.
Flexible & Long-Lasting
Unlike rigid gypsum, lime plaster is more able to move with your building, which reduces the risk of cracking over time.
Lime plaster has been used for centuries
When compared to modern gypsum or cement-based products, lime is more of an open-pored material, which better allows for moisture within a wall to move through the internal plaster and into the internal air, where it can be lost to the exterior through ventilation. This in turn can limit the extent of trapped moisture within the wall structure.
It is important to note that lime plaster in isolation does not address the source of the moisture, and that a survey is required with the objective of determining the root cause of the issue as far as feasible (structures may simply reside within impermeable wet soils).
Whether you're renovating a Victorian terrace or restoring a listed cottage, lime plaster helps walls breathe naturally while providing a smooth, beautiful finish.
Book your damp assessment today
Don’t wait for the damp to spread. Whether you need a modern DPC or a traditional lime plaster approach, we’ll help you find the right fix for your home or property.
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The limitations of Lime Plaster
It is important to appreciate that any system has its advantages and disadvantages, and lime plaster systems are no different. We would always seek to ensure that clients are well informed such that they understand Some of the considerations include:
- Not tolerant of significant salt contamination, so for example where animals have been housed (barn conversions) resulting in aggressive salts (urine), this can lead to failure of lime plaster systems.
- Aesthetics - lime plasters have been employed within dwellings as far back as during Roman occupation. Historical tolerance of visible dampness within buildings, likely differs from more modern desires for unblemished finishes. Lime actively manages moisture through evaporation and it is not a given that this will completely prevent visible indication of this potentially active and ongoing process.
- Lime systems are not appropriate for use in isolation within structures below ground level.
Our Lime Plaster Process
Lime Plaster Survey
We’ll inspect your property and identify whether lime plaster is the right solution. We will provide detailed correspondence concerning the design of solutions with associated costs and drawings.
At Lime Plaster Damp Proofing Specialists, our commitment extends beyond the initial application of lime plaster. We provide comprehensive, ongoing advice to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of your damp proofing solution.
Professional Lime Plaster Application
Our skilled team applies traditional lime plaster in layers, allowing time for natural curing. Our skilled team applies traditional lime plaster using time-honored techniques. Each layer is carefully built up, with natural curing time between applications. This patient and precise approach ensures durability, breathability, and aesthetic quality, preserving the building's fabric.
Long-Term Breathability Maintenance
Maintaining the breathability of lime plaster is key to its effectiveness in managing moisture. We provide practical tips and strategies for long-term care, including proper ventilation techniques and avoiding materials that could compromise its natural ability to regulate humidity.
Common causes of damp we treat
- Leaking drains and pipes
- Bridging plaster or render over DPC
- Faulty or shallow injection DPCs
- Hygroscopic salt contamination
- Poor ventilation and condensation build-up
- Renovation mistakes (e.g. tanking systems that trap moisture)
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