How To Tell If Bricks Laid With Lime Mortar ?

[WhiteVanJack]

Hi,

Is there any simple way for a "non brickie" to tell if lime mortar has been used for bricklaying?

The house is Edwardian style and is approximately 105 years old or thereabouts.


Rgds
Jack

 

[stuart45]

It is probably lime at that age. You can usually tell by the colour and texture. Cement started getting popular in the 20's and 30's depending on area.

 

[WhiteVanJack]

stuart45,

Thx for the reply. It is a quite light sandy colour.

If I have lime mortar and I get some repointing done does the repointing have to also be with a lime mortar mix?


Rgds
Jack

 

[stuart45]

It is normally best to re-point with a lime mortar mix if the original is lime.
Using a hard cement mortar can damage older softish bricks in time.

 

[andyb30]

drop a bit into some brick acid,if fizzes violently its lime,if it just fizzes a bit its opc.but i agree with the above.