Business Details
16 Years
experience
Expert Traditional Building Restoration in Cornwall
Cornish Lime Builders has established itself as a specialist in conservation, restoration, and the application of traditional building techniques to new constructions. With extensive experience in managing sites ranging from derelict ruins to fully restored homes, we maintain exceptionally high standards of quality while collaborating closely with building control and conservation officers. Our team of skilled local tradespeople combines deep expertise with a passion for preserving historical integrity through time-honoured methods. We have refined the ancient practice of ragging or bag rub render, historically used on granite buildings, by integrating modern technology like high-power render spray machines to enhance adhesion and reduce cracking. Our comprehensive services include lime pointing, rendering, plastering, breathable insulation, hydrophobic external finishes, and damp diagnostics, all designed to create sustainable damp management systems that respect traditional materials.We prioritise breathability, drainage, and weatherproofing to ensure structures remain dry and durable while maintaining their character. As a locally rooted business, we take pride in our meticulous attention to detail and our reputation for excellence, supported by references from satisfied clients. Our work aligns with conservation requirements and has been applied to grade-listed buildings, historic churches, and challenging restoration projects. We specialise in curing damp issues through lime-based solutions and external hydrophobic treatments, ensuring compatibility with traditional Cornish architecture. Our commitment to quality, combined with our deep understanding of historical construction methods, positions us as trusted experts in the field of traditional building conservation.
Services
Lime Pointing
Lime Rendering
Plastering
Restoration
Breathable Insulation
Damp Diagnostics
Hydrophobic Treatments
Stone Repairs
New Builds
Ragging
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- We utilise traditional lime techniques refined with modern technology for superior durability.
- Our team has extensive experience in restoring grade-listed and historic buildings.
- We develop custom damp management systems tailored to each structure's needs.
- Collaboration with conservation officers ensures compliance with heritage requirements.
- Locally based with a proven track record of high-quality, client-focused results.
What people say
Superb work
Wonderful finish
Sorted wall issues
Beautifully plastered
Delighted customers
Services
Lime Pointing
We specialise in lime pointing to restore and maintain stone and brick structures. Our technique involves removing damaged cement mortar and replacing it with breathable lime mortar, which accommodates movement and prevents structural damage. This method preserves historical integrity while addressing damp issues. Our work ensures long-term durability and compliance with conservation standards for heritage buildings.
Lime Rendering
Our lime rendering services create durable, breathable finishes for external walls. Using traditional bag rub or ragging techniques, we apply lime-based renders that enhance weather resistance while maintaining compatibility with historic materials. This process includes hydrophobic treatments to prevent water ingress, ensuring structures remain dry and well-preserved over time.
Restoration
We restore dilapidated buildings from ruins to functional homes, focusing on historical accuracy and structural integrity. Our approach combines traditional craftsmanship with modern methods to address decay, dry rot, and previous botched renovations. Projects include grade-listed churches, Cornish cottages, and industrial heritage sites requiring specialist conservation.
Damp Diagnostics
Our comprehensive damp diagnostics identify sources of water ingress and develop targeted strategies for elimination. We implement breathable solutions using lime-based materials to allow structures to dry naturally, preventing further damage while maintaining compatibility with traditional building methods and conservation requirements.
Breathable Insulation
We install breathable insulation systems for both internal and external walls, enhancing energy efficiency without compromising structural integrity. These solutions work in harmony with lime-based materials to maintain moisture balance, prevent condensation, and improve thermal performance while preserving historical character.
People
Samuel Connor
Director
Samuel Connor leads Cornish Lime Builders with over 15 years of experience in traditional building techniques. He has developed innovative applications for historic methods like bag rub render, combining them with modern technology to improve durability. His expertise in lime-based conservation has been instrumental in restoring numerous grade-listed buildings across Cornwall.
Questions
What makes lime-based construction better for historic buildings?
Lime mortar accommodates movement without cracking, allows moisture to evaporate, and prevents damage to traditional materials like stone and cob.
Do you work on listed buildings?
Yes, we specialise in grade-listed structures, collaborating with conservation officers to ensure compliance with heritage requirements.
How do you address damp issues in old buildings?
We use breathable lime-based solutions combined with drainage strategies to allow structures to dry naturally without trapping moisture.
Can you restore severely damaged stone structures?
Yes, our team repairs cracked stonework using helibar stitching and rebuilds sections with compatible lime-based materials.
What areas do you cover?
We operate throughout Cornwall, focusing on traditional Cornish architecture and heritage conservation projects.
Do you offer consultations for new build projects?
Yes, we apply traditional techniques to new constructions, ensuring compatibility with historical methods and materials.
Reviews (6)
Ben Barton
May 31, 2020
Report
It has been great working with Cornish lime builders. Sam is a brave and worthy captain and his men will follow him anywhere even Perranwell Station! If you care about your home or building you can trust these guys to do the job right.
Fran Morgan FranFal
Oct 11, 2019
Report
Very pleased with the work that Sam and his wonderful team have done for us. Exterior lime ragging, remedial stonework. Solved various problems that cropped up in the process of the project.
Nicholas Cowx
Jan 26, 2019
Report
Sam & his team did a great job repointing our granite, grouting the walls and rebuilding some steps. It looks fantastic and the house is warmer and drier
Darren Pountain
Jan 04, 2019
Report
Cornish cottage restored thanks to Sam and his team, very passionate about his work all are hard working and trustworthy, Sam is an oracle on all restoration work really helpful chap, Thanks Sam
Alex Wade
Jul 17, 2018
Report
The main man of Cornish Lime Builders knows no fear. To see Sam zip up a ladder and perch on a rooftop is impressive in its own right. But better yet is the quality of workmanship that Sam and his team bring to a job. Completely professional, quick thinking, hard-working and always ready to help. Highly recommended.
Patricia Smith
Jun 14, 2018
Report
These builders are friendly, highly skilled, professional, knowledgable, enthusiastic, go the extra mile, reliable, pitch up when they say they are coming, work extremely hard and they are very good at what they do. Furthermore they are very nice individuals to have around and seem very reasonable in relation to overall costs... Highly recommended!