Lime mortar

With a millennium-long history, lime mortar is among the most ancient building materials. Despite being a straightforward mixture of lime, sand, and water, it has withstood the test of time and continues to offer a robust and long-lasting bond for numerous constructions.

The flexibility of lime mortar is one of its main advantages. Lime mortar, in contrast to contemporary cement, permits walls to "breathe," thereby averting moisture accumulation and subsequent damage. Because of this feature, it’s a great option for both new construction and historic restoration.

To get the greatest results, lime mortar must be applied and mixed correctly. The longevity and appearance of your work can greatly differ depending on the techniques you use, whether you’re beginning a new project or repairing an old wall.

Lime Mortar Ingredients	Description
Lime	The main binder in the mortar, providing flexibility and breathability.
Sand	Acts as an aggregate, giving the mortar its strength and texture.
Water	Used to mix and activate the lime, creating the mortar"s workable consistency.
Optional Additives	Materials like fibers or pozzolans can be added to enhance certain properties.

Where is lime plaster used

As the name implies, a lime mixture is a component of the ready-made lime mortar for plastering.

Ready lime mortar is used for both interior and exterior construction in public, commercial, and residential buildings.

Strict adherence to building codes and regulations is required when plastering walls with lime mortar (SNiP).

Violating widely accepted rules is against the technological process and can result in additional surface flaws.

How to prepare lime mortar for plastering

Lime mortar is made in phases in preparation for plastering. The slaking of hydrated lime is one step.

Since it is sold in lumps, slaking it is necessary before preparing the "dough" for plaster.

Kindly take note! It takes 36 hours to fully soak lump lime. But for the entire preparatory process to be finished, it needs to remain in place. There are still fourteen days to go.

When slake lime for plastering, it is important to keep in mind that a strong chemical reaction occurs during the process. There is a lot of heat released. Safety regulations thus take precedence and have not yet been revoked.

Wearing personal protective equipment is required when preparing the composition and paying attention to the proportions:

1. Boots.
2. Rubber gloves.
3. Clothing made of thick fabric.
4. Protective glasses.

To get the lime mass ready, you’ll need:

1. Metal container for slaking. Important! Without signs of corrosion.
2. You can also use wooden or plastic containers.

Note: When lime is slaked, its volume increases by about three times. Thus, it is imperative to take this into account when choosing dishes.

You ought to be aware of the proportion between the hydrated lime and the water (which needs to be cold):

1. Lime milk (fluff): ratio 1 kilogram to 1 liter of cold water.
2. Dough: 0.5 liters of cold water are required for 1 kilogram of dough.

Procedure for preparing the lime mass in order:

1. Lime in lumps is placed in a pre-prepared container.
2. Add cold water.
3. A chemical reaction occurs: the boiling process begins.
4. After its completion, the mass must be thoroughly mixed several times and allowed to stand.

Fillers and binders

There may be variations in the solution’s density. This is mostly dependent on how binders and fillers are used. The following are the primary kinds of lime mass fillers:

Let’s examine their traits and attributes.

Gypsum

When plastering cornice areas with wood or stone, gypsum composition is used. The solution is divided into small portions for speedy use. One of gypsum’s characteristics is its rapid hardening. It’s crucial to keep in mind that the gypsum-based final mixture essentially never shrinks.

Cement

The most popular component of the plastering solution for both interior and exterior walls is this one. In high-humidity areas such as technical rooms, basements, and saunas, cement-lime mortar is utilized. M-400 is the most widely used brand of cement for making a working lime mixture. It is important to remember that the finished (treated) wall needs 30 days to dry naturally.

Clay

The composition made of clay can be used to process wooden surfaces. It is just as frequently utilized in building as the aforementioned parts. Typically, we are discussing the restoration of historic structures, including those made of clay. The combination of clay and lime makes structures stronger and more fireproof.

Sand

The most widely used and sought-after kind of solution is the one we are thinking about. The inexpensive part holds the key to success. However, not all sands are appropriate for the task. Sandstone of medium fraction that has previously been cleaned and sieved must be used.

Catalysts are added to the prepared lime mixture in order to speed up its hardening rate. They cause the solution to harden more quickly.

It is possible to obtain an elastic composition by adding plasticizers. The proportions of the components must be followed, regardless of the material that is added.

With its exceptional breathability and durability, lime mortar is an eco-friendly and adaptable plastering material that can be used for both new construction and restoration projects.

Preparation of solutions

There are two steps involved in getting the composition ready:

1. Make a dry mixture from the selected components.
2. Dilute in warm water.

Take note! Differentiate this from the lime-slaking process, which calls for cold water.

It is preferable to take a container with a flat bottom and no corners. The lime that is left is at the bottom and in the corners, where it hardly ever aggregates with water. It’s possible that the mixture will be too runny.

The following is the preparation algorithm:

1. The container must be clean. Without dirt and foreign impurities.
2. Components (sand, cement, etc.) are poured onto the bottom of the container and evenly distributed.
3. Slaked lime is placed on top.
4. Next, the components are mixed together until a homogeneous mass.

For informational purposes only! Before being laid, the sand is passed through a construction sieve.

An industrial mixer or a drill with an attachment can be used to expedite the process and produce a composition of superior quality. Water is added little by little and gradually. It is necessary to mix the mixture after adding the liquid. This will result in a homogeneous mass that is lump-free.

As previously stated, it’s critical to pay attention to the proportions:

1. Laundice-sand: 1 to 4.
2. Lime-cement: 2 to 1.
3. Lime-gypsum: 3 to 1.

In rare circumstances, the composition of the lime may change to alter viscosity. We are discussing the characteristics of lime solution preparation. Humidity and room temperature have a big impact. Thus, a mixture of lime and gypsum, for instance, dries for ten minutes. The lime-cement mixture takes two to three days to dry. Because of this, the masters independently decide which solution to use based on the composition of the working surface.

The cost of a lime solution for plaster

The components used determine the final product’s cost. The use of special additives has an impact on the price.

Gashiye lime, or fluffs, usually costs twice as much as cement. However, it is also significantly less expensive than gypsum. However, lime mortar and gypsum are comparable in terms of their performance attributes, such as high adhesion and plasticity. Working with it is far more enjoyable than with cement.

A dependable and tried-and-true method for plastering walls is lime mortar. Because of its inherent qualities, it’s a great option for preserving breathability and avoiding moisture buildup, both of which support the structural integrity of your walls.

It’s simple to work with lime mortar, but it does take some time. In comparison to other mortars, this one cures more slowly, allowing for greater application flexibility and a longer-lasting finish.

Lime mortar has both practical and aesthetic benefits, making it a great choice for both new construction and historic building restoration projects. It is an excellent choice for anyone wishing to achieve a high-quality, long-lasting plaster finish because of its adaptability and durability.

Video on the topic

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