When planning or undertaking a self-build or renovation, most people focus on layout, insulation and aesthetics. However, there’s another crucial element that deserves more attention: air quality. In a nation where people spend up to 90% of their time indoors, the quality of our indoor air is more important than ever. Yet, many modern building materials compromise the very air we breathe, trapping moisture that leads to mould and damp.
This is where a centuries-old material, lime plaster, is making a modern comeback. Luke Brooks, Senior Commercial Manager Specialist Packed Products at Tarmac, explains how innovative, modern lime plasters are leading the charge in bringing this healthy building solution into the 21st century.
Health and modern buildings
Modern buildings are tightly sealed for energy efficiency, but this can create a double-edged sword. Poor ventilation, synthetic materials, and damp issues can result in a buildup of allergens and mould spores, which have all been linked to respiratory issues, allergies, and in some cases, chronic illness.
Many gypsum-based plasters and drywall systems, while fast to install, can contribute to poor indoor air quality. They’re less breathable and more prone to trapping moisture within wall systems. Over time, that creates conditions ripe for microbial growth. This makes the materials we choose for internal finishes not just a design choice, but a health priority.
Self-builders have a unique opportunity to make better choices from the ground up. Using breathable, natural materials like lime plaster is one of the most effective ways to create a healthier indoor environment without relying on mechanical ventilation or dehumidifiers.
A healthier alternative
Lime plaster offers a naturally breathable alternative. Its open-pore structure allows moisture to pass through and evaporate, regulating internal humidity and reducing condensation. Lime is also alkaline, which inhibits the growth of mould and bacteria, creating a more hygienic environment.
It’s not just about breathability. Lime plaster actively improves indoor air quality by absorbing CO₂ as it cures, a small but meaningful carbon benefit. It also contains no synthetic additives, making it ideal for potentially sensitive environments such as homes.
Despite its benefits, lime plaster has long been viewed as difficult to work with, slow to cure, and incompatible with modern building timelines. This is where innovation has stepped in.
Combining tradition with technology
Innovative plasters are now bringing the breathable benefits of traditional lime plaster into a modern, user-friendly format. For example, Tarmac’s Limelite, is pre-mixed, quick-setting, and compatible with both heritage and new-build environments. For self-builders, this means you can get the health and sustainability benefits of lime plaster without slowing down your build or needing a specialist contractor.
Modern lime plasters are highly breathable, allowing moisture to pass through walls and escape, preventing condensation and damp, and its alkaline nature naturally resists mould and bacterial growth. This is particularly effective in humid environments or spaces where hygiene is a priority. The formulation of Tarmac’s Limelite in particular supports safer and healthier air indoors. As an added environmental benefit, lime plasters like Limelite also absorb CO₂ during the curing process, helping to reduce carbon impact.
Lime plaster also offers the unique advantage of being paintable after just 24 hours, accelerating project timelines without compromising finish quality. Its breathable composition also allows paint to be applied directly to damp walls, making it ideal for scenarios where full drying isn’t feasible.
A breathable future
It’s not about choosing between high performance and efficiency when it comes to choosing the right plaster. It’s about choosing materials that deliver on both. In the drive for healthier, more sustainable homes, lime-based plasters like Tarmac’s Limelite are stepping up as a clear choice. They are breathable, non-toxic, sustainable and now, thanks to innovations in product design, practical too.
As more people look to future-proof their homes, reduce environmental impact, and improve living standards, lime-based products are gaining new attention. Self-builders in particular have the opportunity to make thoughtful, value-adding decisions that impact their home’s health and longevity.
Modern lime plaster supports these goals. It creates a more breathable home environment, helps regulate humidity naturally, and contributes to a home that works with nature rather than against it. Simply, creating a healthy home will mean looking towards the lime plaster comeback leading the charge towards homes that improve our health, not hinder it.