Limestone mortars as a problem for sandstone

The potential for interaction between lime mortars and sandstones has been recognized in building and conservation practice for many years, and different mortars are specified for sandstones and limestones. More recently, papers have been published that make explicit the potential dangers of lime to sandstone. This paper provides an overview of the relevant literature, and looks at the physical chemical processes by which lime may induce decay in sandstones. It also provides an outline of research currently being undertaken at Sheffield Hallam University to analyze these processes and devise methods of minimizing their effects.