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Find our latest articles and information regarding limecrete, its application and key projects we have completed.
Limecrete is a combination of natural hydraulic lime and lightweight aggregate or sand.
Can You Replace a Concrete Floor with Limecrete in an Old House?
As awareness of breathable construction has grown, more homeowners, conservation specialists, and builders are now asking whether an old concrete floor can be removed and replaced with a breathable limecrete floor system instead.
In many cases, the answer is yes.
Why Concrete Floors Can Cause Damp Problems in Old Houses
While damp can have many causes, one surprisingly frequent contributor is the installation of modern concrete floors in buildings that were never designed to accommodate them.
Recycled Foam Glass Insulation: What It Is and Why It’s Used in Limecrete Floor Systems
Understanding how foam glass works, and why it is used, is essential when designing or installing a breathable limecrete floor system.
Limecrete vs Concrete: Understanding the Differences
Discover the key differences between limecrete and concrete. Learn how limecrete floors work, why they are breathable, and why they are widely used in heritage buildings and sustainable construction.
What Is A Limecrete Floor?
What is a limecrete floor? A limecrete floor is an insulated, breathable floor suitable for old properties and new builds alike. It consists of:
What Is A Limecrete Floor?
What is a limecrete floor? A limecrete floor is an insulated, breathable floor suitable for old properties and new builds alike. It consists of:
✨SPOTLIGHT ON THE TEAM✨
Joining us back in August 2023, George is the youngest member of our team. Since then he has proven himself to be willing, engaged, helpful
✨SPOTLIGHT ON THE TEAM✨
Joining us back in August 2023, George is the youngest member of our team. Since then he has proven himself to be willing, engaged, helpful
✨SPOTLIGHT ON THE TEAM✨
Joining us back in August 2023, George is the youngest member of our team. Since then he has proven himself to be willing, engaged, helpful
✨SPOTLIGHT ON THE TEAM✨
Joining us back in August 2023, George is the youngest member of our team. Since then he has proven himself to be willing, engaged, helpful
✨SPOTLIGHT ON THE TEAM✨
Kevin joined our team in July 2023. He brought with him a wealth of transferable skills, having spent many years installing playgrounds across the UK.
✨SPOTLIGHT ON THE TEAM✨
Cailan joined our team in July 2023. Cailan is a hard-working and diligent. He has been a wonderful addition to our team and has a
Our Services
As a flexible and breathable alternative to concrete, our limecrete installation service appeals to building contractors, homeowners and advisors. Our services include:
Our most popular service
Limecrete Full Floor Installation
Supply & Mix Service
Limecrete
Screed Only
Mixer to Wheelbarrow
Limecrete
Direct
We'd love to hear from you
Contact Us
We have a fantastic team of trained and experienced operatives available to provide a complete service. At the other end of the scale we are happy to batch materials while your builders place.
FAQs
Why not check to see if we’ve answered your question below, if not send us a message at office@limecrete.co.uk or give us a call us on tel:0808 1685463
What is limecrete?
Limecrete is a combination of natural hydraulic lime and lightweight aggregate or sand, which can be used as an alternative to concrete. This creates a breathable floor slab with a certain amount of flex.
We never include any cement in our limecrete. This would negate the breathability. We do add fibres to strengthen the floor further.
What are the benefits to the building of using limecrete/Why choose limecrete?
Breathability: Limecrete’s unique property allows moisture to pass through, helping regulate building humidity levels. This is particularly important for older and historic buildings where moisture control is vital for structure preservation and decay prevention.
Flexibility: Limecrete is known for its flexibility, adapting to a building’s natural expansion and contraction, minimising the risk of cracking and structural damage over time.
Insulation: Insulated limecrete floors provide excellent thermal insulation properties, enhancing a building’s energy efficiency. This is especially valuable in flooring applications, improving comfort and reducing heating costs. In older buildings, up to 20% of heat loss is through the floor!
Environmental credentials: The manufacturing of hydraulic lime emits greenhouse gases. However, unlike concrete, lime reabsorbs CO2 as it sets. The emissions saved through reduced heat loss help offset the insulation’s embodied energy. We are constantly striving to improve the green credentials of limecrete floor systems by investigating carbon savings in all areas of operation.
No need for a damp-proof membrane: Unlike hardcore, the RFG insulation layer regulates moisture without wicking it. The limecrete floor, which is vapour permeable, sits above this. In the event of flooding, limecrete is an ideal subfloor, allowing water to gradually seep away over time.
How long does limecrete take to set/How long until you can walk on limecrete?
This depends on various factors such as the lime type and content, whether it contains fibres and the ambient temperature. It is possible to move over the floor using boards after a few days, no point loading. The slab will continue to strengthen over the following months. It is possible to lay a floor finish such a stone bedded in a lime based product after 21-28 days but you will need to wait much longer to install a floor such as engineered wood as the moisture content will need to be much lower (2-3%)for this type of floor to prevent it from warping.
Can a limecrete floor be polished?
Limecrete doesn’t naturally lend itself to being polished as once cured it tends to have small, non-structural cracks where it settles. We would recommend that either original flooring was put back or that a breathable alternative floor finish is used.
What are the disadvantages of limecrete?
We are very open and honest about limecrete floors and are aware that they will not work for everyone or in every scenario. Limecrete floors should be used as a holistic approach to the building as a whole. We are very happy to talk to you via email or phone about whether they would work for your building.
Why choose us for your project?
Specialised Expertise: We specialise in one thing and one thing only – providing exceptional limecrete floors.
Years of limecrete flooring experience: With nearly 20 years of experience laying limecrete floors, you can trust our skill and knowledge to deliver outstanding results.
Comprehensive support: From your initial inquiry to the project’s successful completion and beyond, we’re here to assist you every step of the way. We are fully insured.
Knowledgeable and diligent team: Our team is not only knowledgeable but also hard working and genuinely helpful. We’re dedicated to making your project a success.
Projects of all sizes: Whether you’re working on a large country home, cottage, new build eco home, renovation project or a cathedral, we handle each with the utmost care and attention.
Nationwide Coverage: We proudly serve homeowners across Great Britain, ensuring our expertise is accessible wherever you are.
Proven track record: We have many repeat customers, including contractors, architects, and fellow homeowners, attesting to our reliability and quality of service.
Rave Reviews: Our numerous positive reviews speak volumes about the satisfaction of our clients.
Why don’t you use a damp proof membrane?
Unlike hardcore, the Recycled Foam Glass (RFG) insulation layer regulates moisture without wicking it. The limecrete floor, which is vapour permeable, sits above this. In the event of flooding, limecrete is an ideal subfloor, allowing water to gradually seep away over time.
How strong is limecrete?
Limecrete is strong enough under compression to be used as the floor slab in a home. It can be strengthened by increasing the lime content and by adding fibres. This makes it suitable for applications such as a workshop floor. The lime content should not be increased excessively as this compromises breathability.
We use NHL5 (Natural Hydraulic Lime strength class 5). We have carried out test cubes which are independently laboratory tested. We also have our own ongoing test site gathering strength data. Our data therefore reflects our work and not laboratory conditions.
What floor finish can I use?
Whatever you use must be breathable, stone, tile and wood can all be suitable. Please beware of non-breathable adhesives. Carpets made of natural fibres and backing with underlay such as hessian or felt are also suitable.