If your period property is suffering damp problems, it may not be just the ventilation at fault. Lime plaster could be the secret weapon you’re looking for.

Most condensation and mould problems can be resolved with reducing the moisture in the air and improving ventilation. However, some period properties need a little something else…

Lime Plaster – Our secret weapon

Lime plaster possesses two main properties that make it an ideal internal wall and ceiling finish. Other than being in keeping with the period, beautiful to look at and with an earthy texture, it can be healthier too…

Hygroscopic Properties: Lime ‘breathes’ by absorbing excess humidity and releasing it back into the space when the air dries out, which makes it behave as a natural humidity regulator.

This property is lacking in most common wall and ceiling paints, and acrylic plasters which end up trapping moisture in the wall structure.

Alkalinity: Mould spores favour a damp environment with a slightly acidic atmosphere. In contrast, lime has a naturally high pH, which makes it an inhospitable environment for mould spores to grow.

Lime plasters health benefits

With these two properties in mind, it’s easy to see how it can be a healthier choice for plaster, especially for families that have health concerns like asthma or allergies.

Added to these facts is the additional benefit that lime plaster has zero volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which are chemical substances often found in paint. The lack of toxic resins and solvents helps keep the air in your home clean and safe to breathe.

It even absorbs carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the air as it dries, functioning similarly to house plants, and we all know how healthy it is to have a few of them around.

Condensation, mould, allergies… What else does lime plaster benefit?

There’s a thought process behind modern architectural design, called biophilic design. It favours using natural materials and the integration of nature into buildings and spaces to improve health wellbeing and creativity. The thought process behind biophilic design is that it benefits mental health by creating soft lighting, rich textures without busy patterns and improved acoustic qualities.

So, there you have it – lime plaster really is a secret weapon against condensation and mould, with the added benefit of supporting wellbeing too.

PCS – Your damp specialists with a secret weapon

Owners of period homes may be suffering damp problems because the lime plaster has been replaced with a cheaper, faster option, or simply painted over with unsuitable finishes.

And some properties like listed buildings require a lime plaster finish to be replaced after damp treatment as part of the conservation of the original property.

In any event, Property Conservation Services are ideally positioned to remove the damaged plaster, rectify the damp problems and then re-install a beautiful, healthy lime plaster finish.

No need for additional contractors, and everything all in one quote.

Contact us today to tell us about your lime plaster and condensation problems, on 01865 718383.