Specifying Lime: Understanding and Using Lime Mortars in Historic Building Repair

This course is designed for professionals involved in the care, repair, or adaptation of older and traditional buildings—such as architects, surveyors, engineers, conservation officers, and contractors. It offers a clear and practical understanding of lime as a building material, exploring its properties, behaviour, and the reasons behind its continued use in traditional construction.

Through real-life examples and hands-on discussion, the course will support participants to confidently select and specify the most appropriate type of lime—whether hot mixed lime, lime putty, or hydraulic lime—for a range of situations. The aim is to ensure informed decision-making that supports the performance, health, and longevity of traditional buildings.

What You’ll Learn

Through a blend of theory and practical demonstrations, this course will guide you through:

• Safe working practices with lime

• The traditional preparation and historical uses of lime mortars

• The different types of lime binders available today, including lime putty, Natural Hydraulic Limes (NHLs), and hot-mixed limes

• How aggregates, pozzolans, and additives affect performance

• What causes mortar failure and how to avoid common pitfalls

• How to develop an appropriate lime mortar specification for repair projects

• Mixing techniques, appropriate tools, and best practices for application

Who Should Attend?

This course is designed for:

• Building contractors – stonemasons, bricklayers, lime workers, and labourers

• Specifiers – architects, surveyors, engineers, and heritage professionals
  Whether you’re involved in the repair, reconstruction, or consolidation of traditional buildings, this course will deepen your understanding and improve your decision-making on site.

To book your place, click on the Ticket Source button below

👨‍🏫 Meet the Tutor – Tom Duxbury

Tom Duxbury brings over 30 years of hands-on experience in the construction industry. From crafting oars and sculls in his early career to running his own construction business and working as a Conservation Officer and Trainer, Tom’s knowledge is rooted in real-world experience.

Tom holds a First-Class Honours degree in Building Conservation and Management and is currently studying for a Master’s in Building Conservation. His background includes:

• Heritage Trainer & NVQ Assessor for Carmarthenshire County Council

• Former Conservation Officer for the Brecon Beacons National Park

• Lecturer at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David

• Traditional Skills advocate with SPAB, CIOB & Building Limes Forum membership

His passion for traditional craftsmanship and decades of on-site experience make him the ideal guide for anyone wanting to deepen their understanding of heritage construction skills.