Understanding Lime
Each type of lime product has its own unique properties and applications. The choice of which to use depends on the specific project requirements and the desired outcome. Examples of lime products include lime mortar, lime plaster and limecrete. Overall, lime products are versatile, sustainable and offer significant benefits for both new construction and the restoration of historic buildings.
Hydraulic Lime
Hydraulic lime sets and hardens by reacting with water, in a process similar to cement. It is used where greater strength and durability are required, such as in exterior masonry or damp environments.
Non-Hydraulic Lime
Non-hydraulic lime sets and hardens through carbonation — a reaction with carbon dioxide in the air. It is ideal for applications that require a softer, more breathable material, such as the repair and restoration of traditional or historic buildings.
Lime Putty
Lime putty is produced by mixing quicklime with water and allowing it to mature for several months. It serves as a binder for plaster, mortar and other lime-based building materials.
Lime Mortar
Lime mortar is a mixture of lime putty (or quicklime) and sand, used to bond masonry units such as bricks or stones together. It provides flexibility and breathability, helping buildings manage moisture more effectively than modern cement mortars.
Lime Plaster
Lime plaster is made from lime putty, sand and, in some cases, natural fibres or animal hair. It is applied as a decorative and protective finish on interior and exterior walls, offering a natural, breathable alternative to modern plasters.
Limewash
Limewash is a thin, water-based coating made from slaked lime and water. It is applied as a finish to interior or exterior surfaces, providing a soft, matt appearance and allowing for a variety of colours and textures.
Lime Mortar
Lime mortar is a traditional and environmentally friendly alternative to Portland cement for masonry and building projects. Made from natural, readily available materials, it has a much lower carbon footprint than cement production. Lime mortar is also more flexible than Portland cement, allowing it to accommodate movement and changes in temperature or moisture without cracking.
There are two main types of lime mortar: hydraulic and non-hydraulic. Hydraulic lime mortar contains small amounts of clay or other minerals that enable it to set and harden even in damp conditions or underwater. Non-hydraulic lime mortar, also known as air lime mortar, sets and hardens through exposure to air.
Lime mortar is widely used in the restoration of historic buildings, as it is compatible with traditional masonry and does not harm the original fabric of the structure. It is also an excellent choice for new construction projects that prioritise sustainability and environmentally conscious building practices.
Lime Plaster
Lime plaster is a versatile and time-tested material used in both new construction and the restoration of historic buildings. Its natural properties make it a durable, breathable and sustainable choice for a wide range of applications.
Interior Walls
Lime plaster is ideal for interior walls, creating a smooth and even surface that can be painted or decorated. Its high breathability helps regulate moisture levels, making it suitable for all areas of the home, including kitchens and bathrooms, while naturally resisting mould growth.
Exterior Walls
On exterior surfaces, lime plaster provides a durable and weather-resistant finish. Applied over masonry, brick or stone, it forms a protective yet breathable layer that helps prevent moisture build-up while maintaining the building’s natural ability to manage humidity.
Historic Building Restoration
Lime plaster is widely used in the restoration of historic buildings as it is fully compatible with traditional masonry and gentle on original materials. It can be used to repair existing plaster, recreate historic finishes or restore the building’s authentic appearance.
Overall, lime plaster remains a trusted choice for both traditional and contemporary construction. Its sustainability, flexibility and long-lasting performance make it an excellent option for interior and exterior walls, restoration work and decorative finishes.
Lime Render
Lime render is a breathable, weather-resistant finish applied to exterior walls, made from a mixture of lime, sand and water. It is used in both historic restoration and modern construction for its durability, flexibility and sustainability.
Historic Building Restoration
Lime render is fully compatible with traditional masonry, allowing repairs and restoration of original surfaces without damaging the structure. It is ideal for maintaining the character and integrity of historic buildings.
New Construction
In modern buildings, lime render provides a durable, breathable finish for brick, stone or masonry. It protects walls while allowing moisture to evaporate naturally, helping to prevent damp issues and improve the longevity of the structure.
Energy Efficiency
By forming a breathable exterior layer, lime render helps regulate moisture within walls, improving indoor air quality and reducing energy consumption. Its natural properties make it an environmentally friendly choice for sustainable construction.
Artistic Applications
Lime render can also be used for decorative finishes such as sgraffito and frescoes. Sgraffito involves applying a contrasting top layer of render and scratching or carving it to reveal patterns or designs from the base layer. Frescoes are created by painting pigments directly onto fresh lime plaster, which absorbs the colour as it dries, producing vibrant, long-lasting artwork. These techniques have been used for centuries on interiors and exteriors, particularly in historic or significant buildings.
Lime render combines practicality with aesthetics, making it a versatile choice for protective coatings, energy-efficient walls and decorative finishes.
Limecrete
Limecrete is a type of concrete made from a mixture of lime, aggregate and water, typically using natural hydraulic lime. It is a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional concrete, which is usually made with Portland cement. Unlike Portland cement, whose production generates significant greenhouse gas emissions, lime production has a much lower carbon footprint.
Insulation and Energy Efficiency
Limecrete offers superior insulation compared with conventional concrete, helping to reduce heating and cooling costs and improve overall energy efficiency.
Durability
Highly durable, limecrete can last for centuries if properly maintained. It is resistant to weathering, erosion and other types of damage, making it suitable for long-lasting structures.
Applications
Limecrete is a versatile material suitable for a range of construction projects, including foundations, floors and walls. Its combination of sustainability, durability and insulation makes it an excellent choice for both modern and traditional building techniques.
Lime Putty
Lime putty is made by mixing non-hydraulic lime with water and allowing it to mature for several months. This chemical process produces a putty-like substance that is used as a binder in plaster, mortar and other building materials.
How Lime Putty Is Made
The production of lime putty begins with slaking non-hydraulic lime by adding water, allowing it to sit for several hours or days. The resulting slaked lime is then mixed with water to form a thick paste. This paste is left to mature in a cool, damp environment for several months. During this time, the lime putty absorbs carbon dioxide from the air and gradually hardens, developing the ideal consistency for use in construction applications.