At JC Plastering and Lime, we have built a reputation on being the best in the business when it comes to our lime plastering and rendering services in Bideford. Lime plaster can be used in a number of different services – including rendering, insulation, repointing, etc. Being a breathable material, it can benefit towards the dampness of a property, which traditional materials tend not to cater for. Other benefits of using lime plaster in your building work include cost effectiveness, low energy consumption and comfortability. For a full list and details regarding our services, take a look around our website today. The following page will be looking into the different types of lime plaster you can get – hydraulic and non-hydraulic lime. The main difference between the two is the way it sets. Hydraulic limes tend to be used for more external uses, as it can dry a lot faster than traditional non-hydraulic lime mixtures.
Non-hydraulic lime mixtures are also known as lime putty, which is how it is stated on our website. It is made by burning a pure block of limestone (calcium carbonate), which turns into something called quicklime (calcium oxide), which is then mixed with water to produce calcium hydroxide (lime putty). Once it has been created, it can have a number of different uses, from being used in the interior of a property, to restoring an old structure. Non-hydraulic lime mixtures tend to be used on older buildings, which have ‘softer’ substrates and where the full use of lime putty’s flexibility can be used.
Hydraulic lime mixtures on the other hand, can be classified much differently. Although it is produced in a similar way, the major difference between the two materials is that hydraulic lime is much harder and sets by hydration, rather than through the exposure of air, like non-hydraulic lime does. Also, hydraulic limes are made using a different type of limestone, which is why it has a higher final strength. This however makes the material less breathable and flexible, which is why it is generally used for external uses and conservation work. Hydraulic lime mixes can be easier to use for conservation purposes, with the added benefit of the quick time scale, as it can dry so quickly. When constructing externally on a property, it is important to keep materials such as lime plaster dry from weather systems such as rain and frost, which is why it can be so important for hydraulic limes to set to quickly.
When looking at using lime for construction work, it is important to select the correct type for the job. Lime putty (non-hydraulic lime) is always recommended for the use of internal and older buildings, due to the breathability and flexibility of the material. In areas with soft elements such as soft brick or stone, non-hydraulic lime mixtures are recommended. Whereas, when renovating externally, hydraulic lime mixtures are recommended, due to the fast dry time and strength when dry. Recently, lime mixtures have become increasingly popular in the construction industry, which is why it is vital for you to understand which products and companies the best are to use. Contact JC Plastering and Lime today for more information and quotes on our lime services.