At the beginning of this year, I received an invitation to speak at the National Lime Association's International Building Lime Symposium, which was held March 9-11, in Orlando, Fla. Initially, I wondered if most of the information in the programs would be so technical that it would go over my head but that wasn't the case at all. I found the three days packed with programs that vividly demonstrated the vast array of applications that are possible with this versatile product. Especially notable were the three workshops. The information expanded my horizons on the use of limestone and I think you'll find this interesting and perhaps profitable as well. I'll get to these after a quick summary of what the event was about, as well as who attended.
The program included 38 presentations that approached the topic from every angle. I must say that the speakers made the programs lively, interesting and worthwhile. Another highlight was the series of three workshops that demonstrated lime-based mortars, fresco painting and limewashing. A diverse group of 120 people were in attendance including university faculty, lime producers, building conservation specialists, architects and many tradespeople from 17 different countries. This was of course the first event of its kind and it was really a rare opportunity to have so many experts on hand speaking on this one topic: limestone.