David Dillard, Architect

Swampy southeastern Louisiana has always had termite problems, but since the late 1960’s, the Formosan subterranean termite, one of the most destructive termite species in the world, has inflicted particular destruction upon this area, causing tremendous property damage resulting in very expensive treatment and repair costs. In a desperate effort to save its beautiful historic buildings, the City of New Orleans has been waging all-out war on this Asian pest since 1998. Battling the little beavers of the insect world is a daunting task, because they not only gobble up wood at a very rapid rate, but they also live in large colonies of up to 300 feet, and they infest a wide variety of structures, everything from yachts to high-rise buildings. They are fairly indifferent little munchers that eat a variety of materials, for although they feed mostly on wood, they will eat other cellulose-containing materials such as cardboard and paper and have been known to chew through foam insulation boards, thin lead and copper sheeting, plaster, asphalt, and some plastics. They do not, however, eat concrete, nor does their defensive fluid dissolve holes in concrete.

If you want to reduce the chances of your home being infested by subterranean termites, you can follow the guidelines listed herein. Remove any stray pieces of wood or other cellulose-containing material like cardboard that is lying around on the ground, and don’t leave wooden items such as planters, tubs, trellises, firewood and stakes sitting on top of bare ground. Anchor all wooden posts in cement so that no wood is touching the bare ground. Get rid of any railroad ties you might have on your property. Not only are the ties a potential source of termites, they are treated with creosote, a petroleum product that leeches into the soil. Structural wood at or near ground level should be treated with a wood preservative, which not only protect the wood from fungi but also help shield it from termites. Reduce soil moisture around your house by placing landscaping materials at least a foot from the foundation, and don’t allow sprinklers to wet the house. You should also make sure the ground slopes away from the house so that moisture doesn’t pool anywhere near the foundation. Gutter downspouts and air conditioners should empty out at least one foot away from the base of the home, and rain gutters should be kept clean. Fix leaks in the basement, roof, water heater and appliances, as well as outdoor faucets and water lines. Remove dead trees and plants, including the roots and stumps, from your property, and get rid of wood chips and other mulch around the foundation of your house.

We live in a termite-prone area, and we are approaching swarm season, so whether you think you have termites or not, have your home checked out by a professional; and if you do have termites, let the professional treat your home for the nasty little pests. There are several different methods of treatment, but most involve using chemicals, so if you want to keep your home “green”, find a termite service that employs environmentally friendly methods of treatment. The Global Green Resource Center is a good place to start. They are located at 841 Carondelet Street in downtown New Orleans; they are open Tuesday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and Saturdays by appointment only. Their phone number is (504) 525-2121, and their web site is www.globalgreen.org.

Lime is the key ingredient used to bind a collection of the ingredients in both interior and exterior plasterwork. Lime plaster has often been used over brick to produce a clean and smooth wall surface. To make the wonder material, limestone is heated in a kiln at a high temperature. The resulting material, sometimes called quicklime, is produced, and once it is slaked in water, is ready for use. Certain types of lime, called hydraulic limes, are suitable for water-prone conditions. One advantage of using a natural lime finish is the inherent beauty which comes from the material itself. Lime is an organic material that produces a different quality than latex paint or other modern finishes. Within a lime wash, there are slight color variations which produce a unique patina unlike any other material.

For thousands of years, lime-based products were used to build structures all over the world. Roman buildings relied on lime as the mortar for elaborate brickwork, to make concrete, and to provide smooth wall finishes. Many Creole buildings were constructed in the brick-between-posts method, using a combination of wood posts with brick infill. Plaster was used to cover the wall and, in some cases, to provide ornamental decoration such as moldings, ceiling medallions, and other features. Another type of wall used in early Creole architecture is called bousillage. These walls were also built with wood posts but instead of brick, wood lath was used to secure the plaster in place. To strengthen the earthen plaster, materials such as cured Spanish moss and horsehair were used as binders. Using lime materials to patch and finish historic walls and ceilings is an ancient art form and enhances the value and beauty of the buildings on which it is used. One of lime’s greatest qualities is the ability to get wet and dry over many years, yet still maintain its beauty. Lime restoration is therefore recommended for both historic buildings and for tombs in the old cemeteries of New Orleans, as lime plaster and washes are integral to the history of our architecture.

Lime wash is applied over the final plaster coat to impart beauty and color to the work. It is basically lime paint and was commonly called whitewash when it contained no pigment. Lime wash used with pigment is sometimes called a tender, especially in Europe. The wash’s basic formula is simply water and lime, but to increase adhesion to surfaces, silica-based additives can be used. The wash is mixed to a consistency similar to skimmed milk; to provide color, pigments are added to the wash. Lime wash pigments are available from several manufacturers and are unique because they contain natural materials.

The colors are soft and earthy with a translucent quality unobtainable when using paint. I think perhaps no finish can equal the beauty of lime wash, and it is a most environmentally friendly and time-tested technique. If you may be interested in using a limewash, please contact HistoricProjects and one of our experts will guide you.