Close-up texture of beige granular NHL3.5 lime mortar mix
Ecologic Lime Mortar NHL3.5 packaging for reclaimed brick masonry

Ecologic™ Lime Mortar NHL3.5 for Reclaimed Bricks

$31.00

Ecologic™ Lime Mortar NHL 3.5 is a high-performance, natural hydraulic lime mortar ideal for repointing and laying reclaimed brick masonry. Pre-blended with perfectly graded sand, this “mix-and-go” dry mortar contains no ordinary Portland cement (OPC), ensuring excellent breathability and compatibility with historic brickwork. We carry the DGM non-pigmented coarse (G) grade, made for joints 3/8" and wider; it cures to a muted off-white. Designed to replicate traditional lime mortars and engineered for modern performance, this mortar supports long-lasting, durable masonry repair that protects both heritage and new reclaimed brick structures. See our step-by-step instructions for mixing and using this mortar.

Building a wall with reclaimed bricks? Our Masonry Brick & Stone Calculator works out how many bricks you need and, for joints of 3/8 inch or wider, offers to add the matching number of mortar bags to your quote.

Size
Color
Gradation

Pickup available at Chief Bricks

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Product details

Binder: 100% Natural Hydraulic Lime NHL 3.5 (no Ordinary Portland Cement), engineered for reclaimed and older bricks.
Gradations: Coarse (G) for joints 3/8” and wider.
Stock color: Non-pigmented (most frequent).
Format: Pre‑bagged dry mix with calibrated sand. Just add water and mix.
Mix ratio: 1 lime : 2.5 sand
Strength: NHL 3.5, the sweet spot for most reclaimed brickwork where compatibility and breathability matter more than compressive strength.
Coverage:
- 17 bags of mortar (1/2" joint) will lay 504 bricks (1 pallet)
- 1 bag of mortar (1/2" joint) will lay 30 bricks (1/2" joint)

Most Frequent Applications
  • Historic Repointing & Restoration of reclaimed brick masonry where traditional lime mortars have been originally used.  
  • Re-laying Brick Units in both restoration and sustainable new builds.  
  • Brick, Stone & Terra Cotta Masonry: Bedding, repointing, and tuckpointing.  
  • Interior/Exterior Lime Plaster, Stucco & Parge Coats: as a breathable base or brown coat.  
  • Sprayed & Pumped Masonry Repair, where traditional mortar compatibility is required.  

Texture & Look

Ecologic™ Lime Mortar cures to an authentic “Old World” lime texture, soft, matte, and slightly granular, providing an historic aesthetic that blends with reclaimed brick. The finished joints have a natural, breathable surface with excellent vapor permeability, preventing moisture trapping and reducing stress on masonry units.

Key Features
  • Breathable & Flexible: Compatible with soft, aged brick; reduces cracking and spalling.  
  • No OPC: Eliminates Portland cement’s stiffness; enhances long-term masonry health.  
  • Pre-Blended & Ready to Mix: Consistent quality, simplified on-site mixing.  
  • Salt & Sulfate Resistant: Long-term durability in historic settings.  
  • Multiple Grades & Colors: Tailored for joint size and appearance.  
  • Green Building Friendly: Low embodied energy; naturally breathable. 
Alternative names

Natural Hydraulic Lime (NHL 3.5) Mortar
Historic Lime Mortar for Bricks
Pre-Blended Lime Repointing Mortar
Old-World Masonry Lime Mortar
Breathable Lime Masonry Mortar

Specification Sheet
  • The mortar Specification Sheet provides detailed information about the product’s composition, performance standards, and application guidelines to help ensure compliance with project requirements.
  • For a comprehensive overview of technical data, including mixing ratios, setting times, and strength parameters, please refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
Design guides & how-tos
Disclaimer

Color swatches, samples, or monitor displays can vary from finished cured mortar. We recommend ordering samples or viewing cured mortar strips to select the correct match before ordering large quantities. Mortar performance may vary with environmental conditions, mixing technique, and substrate preparation. Always follow professional masonry best practices for surface preparation and curing.

FAQs

Please read our FAQs page to find out more.

Why NHL 3.5 instead of a standard Type N cement mortar?

NHL 3.5 lime mortar provides similar working strength to a Type N but remains more permeable and flexible, making it safer for reclaimed and historic bricks than rigid Portland‑rich mixes.

Can this mortar be used both for laying and repointing reclaimed bricks?

Yes. Within its strength class, it works for laying, relaying and repointing reclaimed full bricks. We carry the coarse (G) grade, which is made for joints 3/8" and wider.

Is it suitable for exterior applications in freeze–thaw climates?

When correctly detailed and cured, NHL 3.5 mortar is widely used on exterior historic masonry in cold climates because it manages moisture and accommodates movement better than many cement mortars.

How much mortar do I need?

One bag lays about 30 full-size bricks with a 1/2" joint, so a pallet of 504 bricks takes about 17 bags. For repointing, one bag fills about 40 square feet of joints 3/8" wide and 3/4" deep.

Do I need special mixing equipment or additives?

No additives are required; the mortar is designed to be mixed with clean water using a standard paddle mixer or drill and paddle, and additional Portland cement or admixtures should not be added.

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