Lime Plastering & Breathable Finishes for Heritage Buildings
Thatch • Lime • Stone — Professionally Restored
Lime is essential for the long-term health of older buildings. At Ellidel, we specialise in traditional lime rendering, lime plastering, limewashing, and breathable masonry treatments for properties across Dorset and Hampshire.
Our lime work is completed by skilled craftsmen with deep knowledge of historic construction and building breathability.
Our Lime-Based Services
Lime Rendering (External)
We apply three-coat lime renders that allow walls to breathe naturally. This prevents damp, improves durability, and restores the original character of period homes.
Lime Plastering (Internal)
Our interior lime plastering includes:
Haired base coats
Float coats
Fine finish coats
Breathable finishes suitable for listed buildings
Traditional Limewashing
Using lime-rich mineral washes in traditional colour palettes, we protect walls while enhancing their natural texture and character.
Limecrete floors & flagstones
Especially in cottages or barns converted to living uses, we install limecrete subfloors which integrate underfloor heating while preserving moisture-movement capacity. For flagstone floors we use lime bedding & pointing so the floor remains breathable.
Moisture & damp treatment
We don’t just apply finishes: we look at the wider moisture picture (ventilation, drainage, roof leaks) and offer suggestions accordingly. For example, if an internal plaster keeps damp staining, we might recommend checking the roof and gutters before applying a new lime finish.
Natural, non-cementitious materials only
Cement-based products are often incompatible with heritage walls; we avoid them in favour of lime, earth-based plasters, mineral paints. Over time this protects your building rather than undermines it.
Why Lime Matters in Dorset & Hampshire
These counties contain many older rural homes built with:
- Stone
- Cob
- Flint
- Chalk
- Earth-lime mixes
Lime finishes support these natural materials and provide long-term structural health.
Contact us for lime plastering or breathable finish services across Dorset or Hampshire.
Helpful homeowner guidance:
- Choose breathable finishes if your wall is stone, cob or has historic lime mortar — this allows moisture to evaporate rather than become trapped.
- On internal walls, if you see peeling paint, condensation or black mould — it may be due to an impermeable surface preventing drying.
- Maintain good roof and gutter drainage — even a perfect lime render won’t help if water is rising from the ground or leaking from the roof.
- For listed buildings you may need specification approval before applying new external render or altering the surface finish.
Why relevant in Dorset & Hampshire:
Many traditional homes in these counties were built with lime mortar originally and have stone or cob walls. Inappropriate cement work is a common cause of deterioration. The best repairs use breathable finishes and integrate with local historic context.
What Clients Say
Amanda Richardson
I wholeheartedly recommend Nathan of Ellidel. I've worked with him before and wanted to secure him for this new build job. He works skillfully with attention to detail. He's worth waiting for!
Book a Site Survey
If you are planning repairs or restoration work to a period or listed property in Dorset or Hampshire, we’d be happy to help.
Call us today for a friendly, no obligation chat about your project.