Title

चूना गारा (Lime Mortar)

Uncommon

Cūnā gārā

Lime Mortar

4.5/5(Based on 6 heritage sites)
Descriptionசுண்ணாம்புச் சாந்து - Cuṇṇāmpuc cāntu (Lime Mortar) is a binding material extensively used in Indic heritage architecture from the Mauryan period (3rd century BCE) onwards [2]. Its primary component is calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) derived from calcined limestone, often sourced from regional quarries [3]. The mortar typically comprises lime, water, and aggregates like sand or *surkhi* (burnt brick powder) [1]. Traditional texts refer to it as *Sudhalepa* (सुधालेपः) [3]. Cuṇṇāmpuc cāntu exhibits high porosity (20-40%), enabling breathability and reducing moisture-related damage in structures. Compressive strength ranges from 2-5 MPa (non-hydraulic) to 5-10 MPa (hydraulic), varying with additives [3]. Its thermal expansion coefficient is similar to stone and brick, minimizing stress [3]. Setting time is slow, spanning weeks to months, allowing for autogenous healing of micro-cracks [3]. Conservation efforts at sites like Hampi and Tanjore prioritize lime mortar for its compatibility with original materials [3]. The Mughal period (16th-18th century CE) saw widespread use in monuments, showcasing its durability [3]. Restoration necessitates careful analysis of original mortar composition to ensure material compatibility [3].
Also Known As
Lime Mortar
Cūnā gārā
Lime Mortar
Lime Plaster
Hydraulic Lime Mortar
Non-Hydraulic Lime Mortar
चूना गारा
चूना मसाला
सुधालेपः
சுண்ணாம்புச் சாந்து
సున్నపు మోర్టార్
ಸುಣ್ಣದ ಗಾರೆ
சுண்ணாம்புச் சாந்து
Tags
चूना
Chunā
Lime
Mortar
Binding Material
Surkhi
Plaster
Binding
Lime Mortar
Traditional
Breathable
Binding Agent
Calcium
Carbonation
Lime Plaster
Masonry
Pozzolan
Temple
Chuna
Binder
Kankar
Uttarakhand
Historic
Rajasthan
Sudhā
Calcination
Breathability
Telangana
Calcium Hydroxide
Kalaburagi
Calcium Carbonate
Traditional Mortar
Breathable Mortar
Hydraulic Lime
Calcium hydroxide
Sudha
सुरखी
Pozzolanic
Tibet
Lime mortar
Traditional mortar
Breathable mortar
Sikkim
Binding material
Limestone
Udayagiri
चूना मसाला
Chunā Masālā
सुरखी - Surkhi (Brick Dust)
Chūnā
Cuṇṇāmpu cāntu
Cuṇṇāmpuc cāntu
சுண்ணாம்புச் சாந்து
Material ID
INHFMAT-078085616-20-11-25-CC
URIhttps://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/lime-mortar
API Endpoint
https://www.inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/lime-mortar
Total Sites6
Primary Sites0
CreatedNovember 20, 2025
Last UpdatedNovember 28, 2025

External References

Material Types

Types
Binding Material
Mortar
Plaster
Binder
Binding Agent
Calcium Hydroxide
Hydraulic Lime
Non-Hydraulic Lime
Lime-based Mortar
Composite Material
Adhesive
Hydraulic Binder
Cementitious Material
Fat Lime
Kankar Lime
Cement
Non-Hydraulic Lime Mortar
Hydraulic Lime Mortar

Regions

Regions
Rajasthan
Uttar Pradesh
Tamil Nadu
Central Province, Sri Lanka
Gujarat
Pan-India
Karnataka
Andhra Pradesh
Pan India
Widespread use across the subcontinent
Pan-Indian
Bihar
Himachal Pradesh
Odisha
Assam
Telangana
Haryana
Madhya Pradesh
Uttarakhand
Especially prevalent in traditional structures
Jharkhand
Maharashtra
All of India
Punjab
Tripura
Sri Lanka
Widespread
Kerala
Throughout India
Gandhara region
Meghalaya
Northeast India
Across India
Especially prevalent in traditional construction
Tibet
Himalayan Region
Sikkim
India
Chhattisgarh
Kabul region
Panjab
West Bengal
Nagaland
Especially prevalent in traditional architecture
Throughout India and Sri Lanka

Historical Context

Time Periods
3rd century BCE
Medieval Period CE
Mughal Period
Ancient Period
Mughal Period (16th-18th century CE)
Ancient times
Mughal Period CE
Ancient Period BCE
Modern Period CE
Mughal Period (1526-1857 CE)
3rd century BCE onwards
Continuous use throughout Indian history
Indus Valley Civilization (3300-1700 BCE)
Mauryan Period (322-185 BCE)
Ancient
Medieval
Modern
Ancient Times
British Colonial Period (1757-1947)
Colonial Period
17th century CE
Ancient India
Mughal
16th century CE
Mughal Era
Colonial Era
Modern Era
Qutb Shahi Dynasty
Ancient to Medieval
18th Century CE
14th century CE
Kakatiya Dynasty (12th-14th century CE)
Ancient Period CE
Gupta Period (320-550 CE)
Ancient to Present
12th century CE
British Colonial Period
Present
Ancient times onwards
Colonial
Vijayanagara Empire
16th-18th century CE
Ahom Kingdom (1228-1826)
Pre-colonial Era
17th Century CE
7th century CE
Medieval Period
13th century CE
Yuan Dynasty
Sikh Empire Period CE
11th century CE
Kalachuri period
Ancient - Present
3rd century BCE (Mauryan Period)
Mughal period (16th-18th century CE)
11th Century CE
12th Century CE
Maratha Period
Ahom Dynasty Period
Chola Period (9th-13th century CE)
Vijayanagara Period (14th-17th century CE)
3rd century BCE - Present
2nd century CE
18th century CE
8th century CE
14th-17th century CE
Nayaka Period (16th-17th century CE)
Mauryan period (322-185 BCE)
Vijayanagara Empire (1336-1646 CE)
Mughal Period (16th-19th century CE)
Mughal period
Colonial Period CE
Pre-colonial era
Dynasties
Maurya
Gupta
Delhi Sultanate
Mughal
Chola
Maurya Dynasty
Gupta Dynasty
Chola Dynasty
Mughal Dynasty
Maurya Empire
Gupta Empire
Mughal Empire
Vijayanagara Empire
Rajput
Mauryan Dynasty
Mauryan
Katoch dynasty
Vijayanagara
Mauryan Empire
Chalukya
Hoysala
Qutb Shahi dynasty
All dynasties
Rajput clans
Qutb Shahi
Ahom Dynasty
Tughlaq Dynasty
Kakatiya
Various
Bahmani
Chauhan Dynasty
Ghurid Dynasty
Khilji Dynasty
Rajput Kingdoms
All
Various dynasties across India and Tibet
Chudasama dynasty
Gujarat Sultanate
Rajput Dynasties
Pala
Kandyan
Reddy Dynasty
Jaintia Kings
Kushan
Ahom
Bundela Dynasty
Maratha
Fifth Dalai Lama's Reign
Maratha Empire
Namgyal Dynasty
Tibetan Empire
Sakya Dynasty
Sikh
Kalachuri
Regional dynasties
Eastern Ganga Dynasty
Yadava Dynasty
Portuguese
Possibly Tomara or Chauhan
Kushan Dynasty
Katoch Dynasty
British
Gahadavala
Various regional kingdoms
British East India Company
Katyuri
Gajapati dynasty
Chera Dynasty
Nayaka Dynasty
Nayaka

Geographic Sources

Sources
Limestone quarries
Shell deposits
Local limestone deposits
Local limestone quarries
Shell lime production
Lime kilns
Shell lime production (coastal regions)
Shell lime production sites
specific geographic sources
Local lime kilns
Limestone quarries in Rajasthan
Shell lime from coastal regions
Limestone deposits
Shell lime (coastal regions)
Brick kilns for Surkhi
Limestone quarries across India
Specific geographic sources
Calcined limestone deposits
Shell lime production in coastal areas
Specific lime kilns in Odisha
Local limestone deposits in Assam
Shell lime sources
Limestone deposits in Nalgonda district
Kilns near Kurukshetra (historically)
Locally sourced limestone
Shell lime production along coastal regions
Local Kankar deposits
Local lime kilns near Chandragiri
Local limestone quarries near Hyderabad
Seashells (for sea lime)
specific regional sources
Lime kilns near settlements
Local kilns
Local limestone deposits (specific locations unknown)
Kankar (lime nodules) from riverbeds
Limestone quarries in Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh
Shell lime production along coastlines
Brick kilns for surkhi
Local lime kilns near Mandu
Limestone deposits in Madhya Pradesh
Shell lime deposits
Locally sourced limestone deposits
Kilns near construction sites
Limestone quarries in various regions
Local limestone kilns
Traditional lime kilns
Lime kilns using locally sourced limestone
Kankar deposits
specific lime sources
Lime kilns using limestone deposits
Specific limestone quarries in India and Sri Lanka
Local limestone deposits near Kondapalli
Specific regional sources
Kankar (lime nodule) deposits
Local limestone quarries and kilns
Shell lime production in coastal regions
Specific limestone deposits
Specific regional lime kilns
specific lime kilns
Brick kilns near Nartiang
Brick kilns for सुरखी - Surkhi (Brick Dust)
Lime kilns in various regions
Specific lime kilns
Lime kilns near limestone deposits
Local sources
Kankar lime deposits
Local limestone deposits in Sikkim
Local lime kilns near Raigarh
Limestone deposits in Tibet and surrounding regions
Surkhi from brick kilns
Locally produced from limestone deposits
Shell lime production along the coast
Lime kilns near construction sites
Local limestone quarries in Himachal Pradesh
Limestone quarries in Rajasthan and Gujarat
Local markets
Specific regional limestone deposits
Shell lime sources (coastal regions)
Local limestone deposits near Udayagiri
Kankar deposits in alluvial plains
Specific lime kilns in Rajasthan
Brick kilns (for Surkhi)
Riverbeds (for sand)
River sand deposits
Limestone quarries in the Himalayan foothills
Riverbeds for sand
Local quarries for aggregates
Lime kilns using limestone or kankar
Surkhi production from brick kilns
Lime quarries in Rajasthan
Sand quarries
Specific lime production sites
Locally produced from limestone and sand
Local sand deposits

Properties

Properties
Compressive strength: 2-10 MPa
Porosity: 20-30%
Density: 1200-1500 kg/m³
Water permeability: High
Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa
Setting time: Varies with additives
Compressive strength: 0.5-3 MPa
Porosity: 20-40%
Density: 1.2-1.6 g/cm³
Compressive strength: 1-5 MPa
Density: 1400-1700 kg/m³
Water retention: High
Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (depending on additives)
Density: 1.4-1.7 g/cm³
High breathability
Breathable
Flexible
Self-healing properties
Low compressive strength (compared to cement)
Good adhesion to stone and brick
Air-setting
Setting time: Variable
Breathability: High
Compressive strength: 1-7 MPa
Setting time: weeks to months
Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (variable)
Porosity: High
Density: 1.5-1.8 g/cm³
Breathability: Excellent
Porosity: 25-40%
Density: 1200-1600 kg/m³
Excellent breathability
Autogenous healing
Excellent workability
Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (after full cure)
Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (after full curing)
Density: 1.2-1.5 g/cm³
Setting time: Days to weeks
Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (after 28 days)
Setting time: Varies with composition
Water absorption: 15-25%
Setting time: 7-28 days
High alkalinity
Setting time: Slow
Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (after curing)
Thermal expansion coefficient: 10-14 x 10^-6 /°C
Setting time: Weeks to months
Porosity: 20-50%
Workability: High
Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (fully carbonated)
Workability: Excellent
Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (non-hydraulic)
Compressive strength: 1-5 MPa (after 28 days)
Air permeability: High
Compressive strength: 1-3 MPa
Air lime
Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (after full carbonation)
Thermal expansion coefficient: Similar to stone
High porosity
Good breathability
Hydraulic or non-hydraulic
Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (plain lime)
Air-setting hydraulic lime
Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (without additives)
Setting time: Varies with type
Density: 1.2-1.7 g/cm³
Setting time: Variable, depending on additives
Compressive Strength: 2-5 MPa (varies with additives)
Porosity: High (allows breathability)
Setting Time: Slow
Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (variable based on additives)
Compressive strength (28 days): 2-5 MPa
Setting time: 7-14 days
Air lime composition
Breathability
Flexibility
Thermal expansion coefficient: Similar to stone and brick
High flexibility
Compressive strength: 5-10 MPa (hydraulic)
Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (varies with additives)
Good flexibility
Hydraulic and non-hydraulic varieties
Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (Non-Hydraulic)
Porosity: 30-50%
Compressive strength: 2-7 MPa
Density: 1.6-1.8 g/cm³
Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (air-dried)
Setting time: Varies
Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (unreinforced)
Setting time: Weeks
Compressive strength: 5-15 MPa (hydraulic)
Porosity: 30-40%
Composition: Calcium hydroxide, silica, alumina
Setting time: weeks
Air lime or hydraulic lime
Compressive strength: 1-5 MPa (air-setting), 2-10 MPa (hydraulic)
Thermal expansion coefficient: 10-14 x 10⁻⁶ /°C
Compressive strength: 2-10 MPa (depending on additives)
Compressive strength: 1-10 MPa
Slow setting time
Good workability
Water retention: >90%
Setting time: Varies depending on lime type
Composition: Ca(OH)2, SiO2
Setting time: 7-30 days
Setting time: Variable, depending on composition
Setting time: variable (days to weeks)
Breathability: high
Density: 1.5-1.7 g/cm³
Water absorption: High
Compressive strength: 1-10 MPa (depending on additives)
Excellent compatibility with stone and brick
Composition: Calcium hydroxide, aggregates
Water permeability: Low
Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (air lime)
Compressive strength: 0.5-2 MPa
Carbonation rate: Slow
Water retention: Good
Water retention
Compressive strength: 2-10 MPa (depending on composition)
Thermal expansion: Similar to stone and brick
Setting time: Several weeks
Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (unmodified)
Water permeability
Adhesion strength: Variable
Adhesion: Good to porous materials
Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (without Surkhi)
Density: 1.7-2.0 g/cm³ (cured)
Setting time: Variable, days to weeks
Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (depending on composition)
Setting time: variable
Compressive strength: 2-10 MPa (variable depending on composition)
Composition: Calcium hydroxide, calcium carbonate
Air lime (non-hydraulic)
Composition: Calcium hydroxide, water, aggregates
Workability: Good
Composition: Calcium hydroxide, Calcium carbonate
Compressive strength: 0.5-5 MPa
Density: 1200-1700 kg/m³
Density: 1200-1400 kg/m³
Composition: Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂)
Compressive strength: 1-5 MPa (depending on additives)
Water absorption: 15-20%
Density: 1.4-1.7 g/cm³ (cured)
Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (cured)
High alkalinity (pH 12-13)
Composition: Calcium hydroxide, silica, water
Setting time: Slow (weeks to months)
Density: 1.7-2.0 g/cm³
Compressive strength: 1-5 MPa (depending on type)
Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (without Surkhi), 5-10 MPa (with Surkhi)
Thermal expansion coefficient: Similar to brick
Compressive strength: 2-5 MPa (variable based on composition)
Main component: Calcium Hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂)
Calcium hydroxide content: >70%

Common Uses

Uses
Masonry joints
Plaster
Stucco
Waterproofing
Plastering
Rendering
Consolidation
Masonry mortar
Waterproofing (with additives)
Consolidation of stone
Bonding agent
Stucco work
Pointing
Foundation bedding
Binding agent
Decorative stucco
Bonding agent for brickwork
Masonry joints in brick and stone walls
Plastering interior and exterior surfaces
Waterproofing courses
Binding agent for brick and stone
Decorative moldings
Bonding bricks and stones
Decorative finishes
Bonding masonry units
Grouting
Binding Agent
Consolidation of stone structures
Binding agent for bricks and stones
Binding agent for stone and brick
Masonry bonding
Mortar for stone and brick masonry
Binding agent for stone
Masonry bonding agent
Plastering walls
Waterproofing roofs
Stucco decoration
Jointing

Related Materials

Materials
सुरखी - Surkhi (Brick Dust)
रेत - Ret (Sand)
पत्थर - Patthar (Stone)
ईंट - Eent (Brick)
Shilā (Stone)
Ishtakā (Brick)
रेती - Retī (Sand)
गुड़ - Guda (Jaggery)
वज्रलेप - Vajralepa (Diamond Plaster)
कंकड़ - Kankar (Lime Nodules)
गुड़ - Gur (Jaggery)
उड़द दाल - Urad Dal (Black Lentil Paste)
Kāshtha (Wood)
Gomaya (Cow Dung)
Jaggery
बालू - Bālū (Sand)
गुड़ - Guṛ (Jaggery)
कत्था - Kathā (Catechu)
बजरी - Bajri (River Sand)
Īnt (Bricks)
ईंट - Īnt (Brick)
कंकड़ - Kankar (Kankar)
बेल का शरबत - Bel ka Sharbat (Wood Apple Juice)
शिला - Shilā (Stone)
कंकड़ - Kankar (Gravel)
Bajri (Aggregate)
बेल - Bel (Wood Apple)
जूट - Jute
बजरी - Bajri (Aggregate)
Hemp
Ishtikā (Brick)
रेती - Reti (Sand)
बेल का शरबत - Bel ka Sharbat (Aegle marmelos juice)
पानी - Pānī (Water)
बेल फल - Bel Phal (Bel Fruit)
Kāshtha (Wood) for scaffolding
गोंद - Gond (Gum Arabic)
कंकड़ - Kankad (Lime Nodules)
कपूर - Karpūra (Camphor)
कली चूना - Kalī Chunā (Quicklime)
कंकड़ - Kankar (Aggregate)
बजरी - Bajrī (River Sand)
जल - Jala (Water)
गुग्गुल - Guggula (Guggul Resin)
कषाय - Kashāya (Herbal Concoctions)
वज्रलेप - Vajralepa (Ancient Indian Glue)
बेल का फल - Bel ka Phal (Aegle marmelos)
कषाय - Kashāya (Herbal Extracts)
कपूर - Karpura (Camphor)
बजरी - Bajrī (Sand)
रेत - Rēt (Sand)
ईंट - Īṇṭa (Brick)
बेल का फल - Bel ka Phal (Bel Fruit)
इष्टिका - Ishtika (Brick)
गुग्गुल - Guggul (Resin)
कषाय - Kashaya (Herbal Extracts)
Pakva Ishtika (Fired Brick)
ईंट - Īnt (Bricks)
कत्था - Kattha (Catechu)
Bajri (Gravel)
बजरी - Bajri (Gravel)
कली चूना - Kali Chunā (Fat Lime)
शंख चूना - Shankh Chunā (Shell Lime)
बेल फल - Bel Phal (Wood Apple)
बिल्व फल - Bilva Phal (Bael Fruit)
Kāshtha (Wood) for scaffolding during application
कषाय - Kashāya (Plant Extracts)
इष्टिका - Ishtikā (Brick)
रेत - Reta (Sand)
ईंट - Īṇṭ (Brick)
Kankar (Lime Nodules)
जगर्री - Jagari (Jaggery)
Kāshtha (Wood) for formwork
गुड़ - Gudd (Jaggery)
बेल - Bel (Bael Fruit)
Kāshtha (Wood ash)
Bajri (sand)
बालू - Bālu (Sand)
Bajri (Fine Aggregate)
Stone
Brick
बेल का रस - Bel ka Ras (Aegle marmelos juice)
Kāshtha (Wood) - scaffolding
पक्व ईंट - Pakva Īnt (Fired Brick)
Surkhi (Brick Dust)
Ishtika (Fired Brick)
गोमय - Gomaya (Cow Dung)
Guggulu (Gum Resin)
गुग्गुलु - Guggulu (Gum Resin)
कडी - Kadī (Jaggery)
वज्रलेप - Vajralepa (Diamond Glue)
जगेरी - Jaggery
कषाय - Kashaya (Tannin)
कषाय - Kashāya (Herbal Additives)
बजरी - Bajri (Sand)
ईंट - Īṅṭ (Brick)
इष्टिका - Ishtikā (Burnt Brick)
Īnt (Brick)
बेल का गूदा - Bela ka Guda (Wood Apple Pulp)
मृत्तिका - Mrittikā (Earth)
Kāshtha (Wood) (for scaffolding)
Bajri (Fine Gravel)
Ishtika (Brick)
Sand
Bricks
चूना - Chunā (Lime)
ईंट - Īṇṭ (Bricks)
कली चूना - Kali Chunā (Quicklime)
கற்கள் - Kaṟkaḷ (Granite)
செங்கல் - Ceṅkal (Brick)
சுண்ணாம்புக்கல் - Cuṇṇāmpukkal (Limestone)
சுர்க்கி - Curkki (Surkhi)
மணல் - Maṇal (Sand)

Related Styles

Styles
Mughal architecture style
Rajput architecture style
Dravidian architecture style
Sri Lankan architecture
Mughal architecture
Rajput architecture
Traditional Indian architecture
Indo-Islamic architecture
All Indic architectural styles
Dravidian architecture
Vijayanagara architecture style
Traditional Indian architecture style
Indo-Islamic architecture style
Vernacular architecture style
Temple architecture
Fort architecture
Nagara architecture style
All traditional Indian architectural styles
Vesara architecture style
Colonial architecture
Assamese temple architecture
All Indian architectural styles
Islamic architecture style
Pan-Indian architecture styles
All styles
Kumaoni architecture
Vijayanagara architecture
Deccan architecture
Deccani architecture style
Gupta architecture style
Regional temple architecture
Gujarati architecture style
South Indian temple architecture
Mughal Architecture
Rajput Architecture
Vernacular Architecture
Sikh architecture
Deccan architecture style
Vernacular architecture
Various Indian architectural styles
Nagara architecture
Traditional Indian Architecture
Tibetan Buddhist architecture
Various Indian temple architectures
Colonial architecture style
Traditional Indian architecture styles
Kandyan architecture
Kakatiya architecture style
Gandhara architecture
Kerala architecture
Khasi Architecture
Indo-Islamic Architecture
All styles of Indian architecture
Ahom architecture style
Tibetan Architecture
Maratha architecture
Bhutanese Architecture
Haveli architecture
Sikh architecture style
Especially prevalent in pre-cement construction
Kalinga architecture
Ahom architecture
Indo-Portuguese architecture
Kushan architecture
Traditional Architecture
Hemadpanti architecture
Dravidian Architecture
Nagara Architecture
Indo-Saracenic architecture
Maratha architecture style

Related Categories

Categories
Temple
Fort
Palace
Tomb
Pilgrimage Site
Stepwell
Temples
Forts
Palaces
Wells
All heritage categories
Residential Buildings
Residential
Stepwells
House
Residential buildings
Water Tank
Walls
Plaster
Well
Residences
Water structures
Water Structures
Domestic Architecture
Mosque
Haveli
Public Buildings
Residential architecture
Havelis
Monastery
Wall
Residential structures
Water harvesting structures
Fortress
Domestic architecture
Residential Architecture
Stupa
Civil Architecture
Kund
Tombs
Masonry
Residential Building

Conservation Notes

Notes
  • Susceptible to acid rain
  • Requires slow curing
  • Compatible with historic materials
  • Vulnerable to erosion if poorly mixed
  • Requires breathable repair mortars
  • Protect from water damage
  • Breathable and flexible
  • Carbonation issues
  • Cracking due to shrinkage
  • Biological growth
  • Requires slow curing to prevent cracking
  • Susceptible to erosion in highly polluted environments
  • Compatible with traditional building materials
  • Avoid using cement-based mortars for repairs
  • Vulnerable to salt attack if not properly formulated
  • Sensitive to salt attack
  • Breathable and compatible with historic materials
  • Susceptible to erosion in acidic environments
  • Susceptible to erosion from water ingress
  • Requires periodic re-application
  • Compatible with traditional materials
  • Use compatible lime-based repair mortars
  • Requires compatible repair mortars
  • Prone to biological growth
  • Requires regular maintenance and re-pointing
  • Breathable
  • Requires slow curing to prevent cracking.
  • Susceptible to acid rain.
  • Compatible with traditional building materials.
  • Compatible with historic masonry
  • Requires regular repointing
  • Requires regular re-liming
  • Breathable and allows moisture to evaporate
  • Susceptible to acid rain and atmospheric pollution.
  • Compatible with historic materials; preferred for conservation.
  • Requires breathable repairs
  • Salt crystallization can cause damage
  • Breathable material
  • Requires careful mixing and application
  • Susceptible to erosion if not properly maintained
  • Susceptible to erosion from acid rain
  • Vulnerable to biological growth
  • Susceptible to acid rain and erosion
  • Requires regular maintenance and repointing
  • Susceptible to erosion from rainwater
  • Requires periodic re-pointing with compatible lime mortar
  • Susceptible to acid rain and dissolution.
  • Requires breathable repair mortars.
  • Proper curing is essential to prevent cracking.
  • Vulnerable to leaching
  • Breathable and allows moisture to escape
  • Susceptible to acid attack
  • Prone to biological growth in humid conditions
  • Susceptible to erosion
  • Vulnerable to erosion
  • Requires periodic re-pointing
  • Requires slow curing to gain strength. Susceptible to acid rain and salt attack. Compatible with historic masonry. Breathability helps prevent moisture buildup.
  • Requires periodic re-liming
  • Susceptible to erosion in high rainfall areas
  • Requires regular maintenance and replastering
  • Susceptible to frost damage
  • Susceptible to acid rain and atmospheric pollution
  • Requires regular maintenance
  • Susceptible to acid rain and salt crystallization
  • Requires breathable repairs with compatible lime mortars
  • Protection from water ingress
  • Requires protection from excessive moisture
  • Susceptible to erosion and cracking
  • Susceptible to erosion if not properly prepared
  • Susceptible to erosion by acid rain
  • Breathable; compatible with historic materials
  • Avoid using cement-based repairs
  • Compatible with most historic building materials
  • Susceptible to carbonation
  • Vulnerable to salt crystallization
  • Susceptible to acid rain erosion
  • Breathable, allowing moisture to escape
  • Susceptible to frost damage if not properly cured
  • Requires slow curing to gain strength
  • Susceptible to erosion in highly acidic environments
  • Compatible with historic masonry units
  • Susceptible to acid rain and sulfate attack
  • Requires re-pointing
  • Avoid Portland cement repairs
  • Susceptible to erosion from acidic environments
  • Susceptible to erosion if poorly prepared
  • Breathable, allows moisture to escape
  • Vulnerable to biological growth in damp conditions
  • Susceptible to salt crystallization
  • Requires breathable mortars
  • Carbonation process
  • Erosion
  • Requires re-pointing with compatible lime mortar
  • Proper slaking is crucial
  • Susceptible to erosion if not properly carbonated
  • Compatible with historic materials due to breathability
  • Requires careful matching of original mortar composition
  • Susceptible to erosion in polluted environments
  • Vulnerable to erosion in high rainfall areas
  • Breathable and allows moisture movement
  • Susceptible to erosion from acidic rain
  • Salt efflorescence can cause damage
  • Use of lime putty
  • Requires slow carbonation
  • Vulnerable to erosion in exposed conditions
  • Requires careful mixing and curing
  • Requires careful analysis of original mortar composition for compatible repairs
  • Avoid using cement-based mortars for repointing
  • Protection from excessive moisture
  • Requires breathable coatings
  • Vulnerable to salt attack
  • Protection from water damage
  • Avoid Portland cement
  • Use of compatible lime mortars for repair
  • Erosion due to acid rain
  • Susceptible to sulfate attack
  • Lime mortar is susceptible to acid rain and requires periodic re-application.
  • Requires slow curing and protection from rapid drying
  • Can be damaged by Portland cement
  • Susceptible to erosion if not properly protected
  • Vulnerable to erosion if not properly maintained
  • Potential for cracking due to shrinkage
  • Lime mortar is susceptible to erosion from acid rain.
  • Requires periodic re-pointing to maintain structural integrity.
  • Susceptible to leaching
  • Compatible with historic brick and stone.
  • Susceptible to acid rain and carbonation
  • Salt efflorescence
  • Susceptible to erosion due to acid rain
  • Can be damaged by modern cement mortars
  • Susceptible to acid rain and weathering.
  • Requires periodic re-application.
  • Breathable and allows moisture evaporation
  • Incompatible with cement
  • Susceptible to erosion in high-rainfall areas
  • Susceptible to salt attack
  • Susceptible to erosion in exposed locations
  • Susceptible to erosion if not properly formulated
  • Compatible with historic building materials
  • Use compatible lime-based materials for repair
  • Needs protection from rapid drying

Recommended Sources

TitleTypeNotes
Traditional Indian Lime MortarsTechnical ReportLime mortar composition and application
Traditional Building Materials of IndiaBookLime mortar composition and application
Lime and Lime MortarsTechnical ReportComposition and application
ASI Technical BulletinTechnical ReportLime mortar analysis and conservation
Traditional Lime Mortars in IndiaTechnical ReportComposition and application techniques
Lime Mortars for Historic BuildingsTechnical ReportComposition, properties, and application
Traditional Mortars of IndiaTechnical ReportComposition and application
Lime and LimestoneBookLime mortar properties and applications
Traditional Mortars: Characteristics and ConservationBookLime mortar analysis and conservation
Traditional Indian Building TechniquesBookLime mortar recipes and applications
Traditional Lime MortarsBookLime mortar preparation and application
Lime and Limestone: Chemistry and Technology, 2nd EditionBookTechnical properties and applications
Traditional Knowledge Digital LibraryDatabaseLime preparation techniques
Lime Technology in Indian Heritage StructuresTechnical ReportComposition, properties, and application techniques
Lime Mortars: Properties and UsesTechnical ReportDetailed analysis of lime mortar types
Lime Technology and ConservationTechnical ManualTraditional techniques
Lime and Lime Mortars in Indian Heritage StructuresTechnical ReportComposition, properties, and conservation
Traditional Indian MortarsTechnical ReportComposition and properties
Lime in BuildingReportLime properties and uses
Traditional Building Materials and TechniquesBookLime mortar preparation and application
Traditional Indian Building Materials and TechniquesBookLime mortar preparation and application
Lime Mortars in Historic BuildingsBookLime mortar properties and conservation
Lime and Limestone: Chemistry and Technology, by J.A.H. OatesBookComprehensive guide on lime properties and uses
Traditional Indian Lime MortarsResearch PaperComposition and properties
Traditional Mortars in IndiaResearch PaperComposition and properties
Lime and Lime MortarsBookTechnical guide on lime mortar preparation and application
Traditional Mortars of IndiaResearch PaperComposition and properties
Lime and Limestone: Chemistry and Technology, 2nd EditionBookComposition and properties of lime mortar
Traditional Indian Building TechnologyBookLime mortar preparation and application
ASI Technical BulletinTechnical ReportMaterial analysis
Traditional Building Materials of IndiaBookLime mortar recipes
Traditional Indian Lime MortarsResearch PaperComposition and properties
Lime Technology and ConservationBookLime mortar properties and applications
Lime Mortars: A Practical GuideTechnical ManualComposition and application
Lime and Limestone: Chemistry and Technology, Applications in ConstructionBookLime mortar properties and applications
Lime and Lime MortarsTechnical ManualLime mortar preparation and application
Lime Mortars: Properties and UsesTechnical ReportDetailed analysis of lime mortar composition and application
ASI Technical BulletinTechnical ReportMaterial analysis

Frequently Asked Questions