A Smith - Lime Pointing & Plastering

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A Smith - Lime Pointing & Plastering Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from A Smith - Lime Pointing & Plastering, Masonry contractor, Billingborough.

Skilled, confident & knowledgeable about the use of the many lime mortars available to restore, repair and conserve older buildings in the South Lincolnshire area.

Work in progress ✔️
08/10/2026

Work in progress ✔️

Scaffolding has gone up today for the chimney repairs with a beautiful view over the Lincolnshire Fens ❤️
08/10/2026

Scaffolding has gone up today for the chimney repairs with a beautiful view over the Lincolnshire Fens ❤️

Another good week at work 🙌Cement mortar, and what was ‘remaining’ of the original lime mortar almost fully raked out o...
04/10/2026

Another good week at work 🙌

Cement mortar, and what was ‘remaining’ of the original lime mortar almost fully raked out on this elevation

Lines then cleaned of dirt and debris

I had to use a mix of hand tools and a grinder to get this raked out, the cement mortar was such a strong mix there was no other option.

Next week should see the start of the ‘non hydraulic lime putty mortar’ going in 😁

* Traditional
* Breathable
* Flexible
* Softer

Most importantly the bricks can start to be bricks again and not take all the weathering !

Once you replace original lime mortar with a cement mortar, the bricks and the mortar lines effectively swap jobs. The reason for that is because the cement mortar is harder than the bricks it’s laid on, so originally the moisture within the wall would be released via the capillary action of the lime mortar, when cement is then used to repoint over the top of original lime, the mortar lines can no longer release trapped moisture as cement isn’t porous, instead, the bricks start trying to do that job instead and that’s exactly why bricks get blown and badly damaged during the freeze thaw process of winter.

It’s absolutely paramount for the longevity of your traditional homes that traditional methods and materials are used to maintain them.

Another productive week on site with more of the repointing finished on this gable end. * Repointed in a traditional lim...
26/09/2026

Another productive week on site with more of the repointing finished on this gable end.

* Repointed in a traditional lime putty mortar.

* Scraped, shaped and churned.

* Roof verges repointed.

* Each and every brick individually cleaned.

Tasks still to be completed include brick replacements, air vents and in a couple of weeks the chimney scaffolding is going up as the chimney needs some TLC.

Once the scaffold is down I will be able to repoint behind and around the oil tanker 🙌

I cover Sleaford, Grantham, Boston, Stamford, Bourne and all surrounding villages, if you have a traditional property that needs some work feel free to drop me a message to discuss your project

Mature Lime Putty vs NHLThere is nothing quite like the buttery, ultra-smooth texture of properly matured lime putty. Wh...
21/09/2026

Mature Lime Putty vs NHL

There is nothing quite like the buttery, ultra-smooth texture of properly matured lime putty.

When working on traditional or historic structures, choosing true non-hydraulic lime putty over Natural Hydraulic Lime (NHL) makes a massive difference in structural preservation.

Here is why lime putty often outperforms NHL on older buildings:

Pure Carbonation Cure: Unlike NHL, which sets via a chemical hydraulic reaction and carbonation, lime putty cures strictly through carbonation (absorbing CO2 from the air). This means it remains permanently softer and more permeable.

Superior V***r Permeability: Lime putty offers significantly higher breathability, allowing moisture to evaporate freely through the mortar joints rather than forcing dampness to push through and spall the masonry units.

Lower Compressive Strength & Greater Flexibility: NHL (especially grades like NHL 3.5 or 5) can often cure too hard and brittle for historic bricks and softer stones. Lime putty accommodates minor building movement without transferring stress to the masonry.

Vapour-Phase Mobility & Self-Healing: The free calcium hydroxide in lime putty allows for micro-crack healing over time as free lime reacts with moisture and carbon dioxide to form micro-calcite crystals.

Using the right binder is everything when protecting heritage fabric. Drop us a message to discuss the ideal specification for your next conservation or repointing project! 🏡🛠️

Another productive working week on this gable end, my job satisfaction goes through the roof when restoring our English ...
18/09/2026

Another productive working week on this gable end, my job satisfaction goes through the roof when restoring our English Heritage I always feel so blessed, grateful and privileged ❤️

The inappropriate cement pointing was raked out and then this week, the lime putty mortar has been going in allowing this gable end to breathe and flex as was originally intended 🙌

The difference is in the detail. 🧱✨When repointing historic brickwork with traditional lime putty mortar, highly porous ...
18/09/2026

The difference is in the detail. 🧱✨

When repointing historic brickwork with traditional lime putty mortar, highly porous Victorian red bricks can pull free lime to the surface, leaving a chalky bloom that hides the bricks natural beauty.

Left: Mid-process with the inevitable lime bloom haze.

Right: After my meticulous brick-by-brick cleaning process.

No shortcuts, no damaged mortar lines, and no hazed brick faces—just clean arris lines and the original, rich red tones brought back to life.

Brick by brick 🙌

Current project up and running 🙌Scaffold up ✔️ Gable raked out ✔️ Badly damaged bricks removed ✔️ Materials on site ✔️ W...
11/09/2026

Current project up and running 🙌

Scaffold up ✔️
Gable raked out ✔️
Badly damaged bricks removed ✔️
Materials on site ✔️

Will start to get the lime in next week, I will be using a ‘non hydraulic putty mortar’ of course

Limited spaces available for 2027 all enquiries welcome

I have a few weeks spare in January and February for internal works, other than that I’m fully booked from now until August 2027

Project completed 🙌I’ve just wrapped up my latest job working on this incredible Victorian family home in South Kesteven...
19/08/2026

Project completed 🙌

I’ve just wrapped up my latest job working on this incredible Victorian family home in South Kesteven

* Failing lime & cement mortar raked out

* Lines cleaned of dirt and debris

* Ivy stains removed

* Brick replacements where necessary

* Repointed in a traditional ‘non hydraulic’ mature lime putty mortar

* Scraped, shaped and knocked back for a churn brush finish

* Site clean down

Working with historic and period brickwork requires the right materials to allow the building to breathe, prevent moisture buildup, and protect the soft brickwork long-term—all while looking fantastic! 🛠️✨

Using modern materials such as cement is a literal death sentence for old brickwork, the mortar needs to allow the building to breathe as originally intended, the mortar needs to be flexible not rigid, breathable not virtually water proof, softer than the brickwork so the mortar is the sacrificial element of the wall and not the brickwork !

Got a period property or traditional brickwork in need of restoration?

Drop me a message to discuss your project or to arrange for a quote

Limited availability for 2027 !

Street view of the gable end I’ve just finished repointing ❤️
11/08/2026

Street view of the gable end I’ve just finished repointing ❤️

Address

Billingborough

Telephone

+447432858336

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