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Lime PDF

Lime has been used as a building material for thousands of years in structures like the Egyptian pyramids and Great Wall of China. It is made by heating limestone to produce quicklime, which can then be slaked to form hydrated lime or lime putty. Lime is environmentally friendly and sustainable due to its ability to reabsorb carbon dioxide as it dries. It has benefits like breathability, flexibility, durability, and aesthetic appeal. When using lime, the right type must be selected for the job and application, and protective equipment should be worn as lime can be caustic.

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116 views

Lime PDF

Lime has been used as a building material for thousands of years in structures like the Egyptian pyramids and Great Wall of China. It is made by heating limestone to produce quicklime, which can then be slaked to form hydrated lime or lime putty. Lime is environmentally friendly and sustainable due to its ability to reabsorb carbon dioxide as it dries. It has benefits like breathability, flexibility, durability, and aesthetic appeal. When using lime, the right type must be selected for the job and application, and protective equipment should be worn as lime can be caustic.

Uploaded by

Areeba A
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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An Introduction to Lime

A History of Lime and it’s Uses


Lime has been used as a building material for thousands of year3s; the Egyptian Pyramids, the Coliseum in Rome, and
the Great Wall of China all boost lime mortar cement. Yet, since the invention and widespread use of Portland cement
from the mid-1800s, lime has faded into obscurity and few people know how to correctly use lime. This guide is a short
introduction to this forgotten building material: how it is made, how to use it, and why lime is an attractive alternative
to cement, modern plasters, and paints for both historic and contemporary buildings.

What is Lime?
‘Lime’ refers to quicklime and is made by heating limestone (Calcium Carbonate) at high temperatures in a kiln. The
lime (Calcium Oxide) produced can then by rehydrated to form Hydrated Lime (a powdery substance) or ‘slaked’ and
matured for at least 2-3 months in an excess of water to create lime putty (which has a similar texture to toothpaste).
These products form the basis of lime plasters, mortars, and washes.

The Lime Cycle

When lime is heated, carbon dioxide is emitted. This is


reabsorbed when the lime materials slowly dry, set and
harden. The re-absorption of Carbon Dioxide
completes the ‘lime cycle’ and makes using lime
environmentally friendly and sustainable.

Depending on the purity of the limestone used, types of lime can be produced with varying properties and strengths.
Pure limestone produces Non-Hydraulic Lime (termed CL by European standards), meaning that it won’t set under
water. This is ideal to use inside a building for plasters and decorations, but does not suit outside work unless you can
guarantee fine summer weather for many weeks. However, limestone with clay particles produces Naturally Hydraulic
Lime (NHL) which can set (like concrete) in the presence of water due to the presence of silicates in the clay and this is
classified into three different strengths: 2, 3.5, and 5. Non-Hydraulic Lime can also have particles artificially added to
quicken drying time and make the lime hydraulic, these are termed HL or NHL-Z.

Heritage Skills in Education is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund


Why Use Lime?
Lime products do take a long time to make, apply, and dry, and finding a specialist to carry out the work can be difficult.
However, the benefits of lime for both old and new buildings outweigh these negative aspects. In addition to being
carbon neutral, lime products have the following benefits:

Breathability and Flexibility – lime finishes allow the building to breathe and prevent damage caused by trapped
moisture and allow buildings to move and settle without cracking

Sustainability – lime mortar and plasters are softer than surrounding masonry, meaning that the lime will deteriorate
first rather than the stonework, thus prolonging the life of masonry

Durability – if applied correctly, lime can last up to two hundred years without needing to be replaced

Anti-Bacterial – The alkaline properties of lime make it naturally bacteria repellent

Aesthetic Appeal – lime plasters, mortars and paints are unique, change with the weather, and have a beautiful matt
finish which alters with changing light conditions. Lime washes are thin and as a result protect architectural details.

How to Use Lime


When deciding the type of lime suitable for your job, it is important to understand that “The more hydraulic the lime,
the greater its strength, nut the lower its permeability and flexibility (SPAB), so the right balance must be struck. The
type of lime and aggregate used should be appropriate for the building and the local area. Slaked lime in any form
(hydrated powder or putty) can be caustic and cause burns, so hand and eye protection must be worn.

Do’s and Don’t’s


Do make sure the lime and aggregate are thoroughly Don’t use lime putty that has not been well matured for
mixed at least 2-3 months

Do follow manufacturer’s instructions and allow ample Don’t use lime is very exposed areas that are subject to
drying time heavy frost

Do wear appropriate PPE Don’t use lime when the temperature is above 30ºC or
below 5ºC
Lime Mortars - Lime mortars can be prepared from lime putty, or hydrates can be made in to putty by soaking in clean
water for at least 24 hours. The putty should then be well mixed with aggregate in a 1:3 lime: aggregate ratio. The
aggregrate, usually sharp well graded sand, should match the original mortar colour as much as possible if used on an
historic building.

Lime Plasters - Lime plaster is made up in the same way as lime mortar, but with a ratio of 1:2.5 lime: aggregrate, with
finer sand used for a smoother finish. Interior plasters are applied in three coats. Before plastering, the wall should be
uniformly damp, by spraying with water, then a first coat applied as a base. The first coats should be no thicker than
10mm and should be scored and left to dry for at least two weeks, with a final cost of not thicker than 5mm.

Lime Washes - Limewash is created by diluting lime putty with water until it has the consistency of milk, and applied to
clean damp walls. Colour can be added to limewash using natural pigments, but colour matching can be difficult so
enough limewash for several costs to cover the entire area should be made up. Lime washes can be used inside and
outside and should be renewed every five years.
Heritage Skills in Education is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund

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