
Lime is used instead of cement as the binding agent for the render. Lime is a staple of historic building construction and is used in renders, mortars and internal plasterwork. Due to its caustic properties, it requires careful handling, however once a lime render has set it is very durable.
What is lime-based render and how is it protected?
Lime render is a traditional exterior coating that originated before the modern coating techniques of the 20th Century. It is made via a mix of lime putty and sand. Traditionally, lime render was applied to give protection to walls built of poor quality rubble, stone, porous brick or walls in exposed locations.
What is the difference between building lime and lime render?
lime render Lime Lime is used instead of cement as the binding agent for the render. Lime is a staple of historic building construction and is used in …
What do you Mix Lime with to make render?
Lime is used to increase the elasticity of the mix, and prevent it from cracking once it dries. The most appropriate kind of lime to be used for rendering is hydrated lime. Other things could also be added to the rendering mix, such as colour-altering pigments, or additives that aid bonding and drying. Click to see full answer
What are the uses of lime?
Oct 24, 2018 · Lime has been used as a binder for several thousand years, albeit with different tweaks and additives to make it perform differently. And while recipes from the 1830s that included bone ash, urine, beer and cheese in the mix have thankfully been superseded, animal hair, which acts as a reinforcement, continues to be popular!

When should you not use lime render?
Please note, it is not recommended to use lime products (lime mortars, renders and limewashes) when temperatures are liable to fall below 5°C (41°F) for several weeks/months after the product has been used, this is especially true for Non Hydraulic/Fat Limes/Air Limes and the weaker Natural Hydraulic limes (NHL's).Aug 25, 2016
Is lime render waterproof?
Lime plaster is permeable and allows for the diffusion and evaporation of moisture. However, when properly worked with pozzolanic agents and animal fat, it becomes impermeable.
Why would you use lime render?
Lime render offers a number of advantages over cement based mixes for external rendering: High vapour permeability allows the structure to “breathe”. Lime can accommodate subtle movements (without cracking). Lime can regulate humidity by actively managing moisture (hygroscopic).Sep 7, 2021
What are the benefits of lime plaster?
Why Use Lime Plaster?It prevents damp. Lime plaster is a 'breathable material', meaning air can pass through it, unlike denser cement, or polymer-based renders and plasters. ... It is an eco-friendly option. ... It can improve air quality. ... It is very long-lasting. ... It is flexible. ... It is very attractive.Jan 21, 2022
Does lime mortar stop damp?
Lime plaster damp proofing may well be less prone to damage from salts and damp, but it is unlikely to cure the problem and could become damp and stained and affected by salts.
How long will lime render last?
Taking into consideration the flexibility, technology and how it can be maintained (a light jetwash every now and then) means a self-coloured render system can last around 5-10 years whilst a sand and cement or lime render system may only last a couple of years when you take into consideration the weather, movement of ...Mar 12, 2020
When should I use lime plaster?
Lime plaster is breathable, it draws out and expels moisture from the structure. This is essential to avoid damp problems in old buildings with solid wall construction. A lime plaster is built up gradually in layers. The traditional three coat system is the most popular method and is recommended.
Can you lime render over cement?
p.s. the wall wont 'crack' if you render it with lime. Cement just seals in a lot of moisture which will eventually cause the bricks to decay or rot if there is any damp at all. This sealed in moisture may then freeze and cause problems too.Jun 20, 2010
Does lime render crack?
Cracking is perfectly normal in the basecoat and also the float during application, as long as the plaster/render has not delaminated from the background or previous coat of plaster then there is no cause for undue concern. If the cracking is however in the finished plaster/render then the causes must be investigated.Apr 1, 2016
Why is lime plaster no longer commonly used?
The promotion of modern gypsum-based plasters has led to the almost complete demise of lime plastering, and of many of the traditional skills associated with the craft. This has been exacerbated by the plastering trade being divided into flat and decorative work, with new 'fibrous plasterwork' being made in workshops.
Can I use lime plaster on plasterboard?
Solo Lime Plaster Solo can be applied directly onto plasterboard, wood fibre board or a lime base coat of Duro or Ultra.
How do you apply lime to a plastered wall?
How to apply LIME plasterS:It is more desirable to apply more than one coat of the lime plaster, so before applying the second coat the mortar is dashed against the surface of the wall in a layer of 6 to 10 mm thickness with a trowel to give a good grip.The second coat is then applied to the first coat (not dry).More items...
Lime is a binding material
Lime is burnt calcium carbonate. Chalk, limestone, shells can all be fired in a kiln to make quicklime which you then slake (combine with water) and use as a binder.
It uses a lot less energy to make than cement
Martin believes that lime has a number of advantages over more modern materials.
Different additives provide reinforcement
Lime has been used as a binder for several thousand years, albeit with different tweaks and additives to make it perform differently.
Some plasterers see it as a dark art!
Martin's aim at Best of Lime is to bring an ancient material into the modern world, and make it perform as well as, if not better than, modern materials. For this to happen it also needs to be easy to mix and apply.
Keep an eye on the weather forecast!
With proper planning, even if there is inclement weather the plasterer will hopefully have jobs still to finish off inside the building. While the autumn is a busy period for getting work done before the weather turns too cold and wet, modern work programmes don't tend to allow for downing tools until the Spring.
There are a variety of colour options
The colour of lime is mostly dependent on the aggregate that it is being used with, and this can vary regionally. A mix using a very white sand will make a very light finish, whereas towards Norfolk there is a tendency for a more brown effect. Martin uses a lot of chalk which makes a neutral, creamy off-white plaster.
They are unable to compete on price with sand and cement
However, one of the advantages they have is that work can generally be done in two coats. For sand and cement, if the traditional look of rounded corners is required they tend to use three coats, so what you lose in money on the material, you gain with the labour saving.
What Render to Use in a Fireplace
Owning a beautiful fireplace inside your house is a dream for many homeowners. A lot of people consider it is a place where family and friends can gather around to have fun and share a warm and cozy environment together.
Importance of Rendering a Fireplace
According to the article posted by the U.S Department of Energy, it is important to create an effective thermal barrier on the walls surrounding your fireplace to prevent any fire hazards that may occur. Because of this, a lot of people have rendered their fireplace in order to protect it from fire and other potential damages.
What Render to Use in a Fireplace?
Well, based on the information provided by Stovefitter, rendering a fireplace generally involves using a particular mixture of sand, cement, and lime over the brick walls that surround the fireplace to protect it from damages that may result from the extreme heat of the fire.
How to Render a Fireplace?
Now that you know that the best type of render to use for a fireplace is the lime render, it is time to identify the essential steps needed to render your fireplace properly.
Benefits of Having a Fireplace
A fireplace supplies you with an additional source of comfort for your house during cold weather or whenever your heating system is not sufficient. The warm environment that it provides enables you to keep your home more comfortable and cozy without needing to increase your utility bills.
Final Words
To summarize, the best type of render to use for your fireplace is the lime render because it allows the walls surrounding your fireplace to expand appropriately whenever it encounters extreme heat. This process allows your fireplace to protect itself from fire damages which in turn, protect you and your family from harm and accidents.
Production
In the lime industry, limestone is a general term for rocks that contain 80% or more of calcium or magnesium carbonate, including marble, chalk, oolite, and marl. Further classification is done by composition as high calcium, argillaceous (clayey), silicious, conglomerate, magnesian, dolomite, and other limestones.
Cycle
The process by which limestone (calcium carbonate) is converted to quicklime by heating, then to slaked lime by hydration, and naturally reverts to calcium carbonate by carbonation is called the lime cycle.
Building materials
Lime used in building materials is broadly classified as "pure", "hydraulic", and "poor" lime; can be natural or artificial; and may be further identified by its magnesium content such as dolomitic or magnesium lime.
