This European Standard describes the test methods for all building limes covered by prEN 459-1:2008. This European Standard specifies the methods used for the chemical analyses and the determination of physical properties of building limes. This document describes the reference methods and, in certain cases, an alternative method which can be considered to be equivalent. In the case of a dispute, only the reference methods are used. Any other methods may be used provided they are calibrated, either against the reference methods or against internationally accepted reference materials, in order to demonstrate their equivalence.