This blog post will be aimed at those who are about to undertake restoration work, and if that sounds like you, you should continue reading! This post blog will explain when and why lime should be coating, noting the benefits of investing in the coating.
What is lime?
Lime used for building is obtained by thermally breaking down naturally occurring materials such as limestone which contain calcium carbonate. The calcium carbonate undergoes a process called calcination at the temperature of approximately 900°C, usually in a rotary kiln. This produces calcium oxide (burnt lime/quicklime). When water is added to this quicklime in a process called slaking, lime putty is produced (Calcium hydroxide). Lime is said to be one of the oldest materials that humans have used and is still extremely popular today.
Lime is primarily used in construction as the base product that is used to create plasters, mortars, limewash and more for traditional buildings.
Lime Render
The exterior coating is known as lime render and is made from the combination of sand, lime putty and stonedusts. Lime render is used as a coating to protect the walls, especially buildings that have poor quality stone or rubble.
Lime render will absorb rainfall and then it will evaporate, which means that the water will not soak into the walls, meaning that the walls will not lose their structural integrity. The lifespan of lime render can last many years; however, the exact measurement depends on the exterior coating that is applied.
Limewash
We typically compare limewash to paint for lime, and it is a traditional paint used for decorating stonework, plasters or renders. Limewash allows the stonework or plasters painted to breathe, and it will not peel off.
Summary
If you want to protect your traditional building, then you should use lime render to coat it. With so many benefits, including the longevity of your building, it would be logical for you to utilise this product.
Limebase is on hand
For more information about lime, we have a complete guide to lime page on our site you can look through. If you’ve read our guides and still require assistance you can give us a call for any specialist advice and our technical department will get back to you.
Remember, Limebase products limited specialise in the production and supply of a variety of lime-based products for use on historic or traditional buildings, so we can help if you have any lime based questions.