What is the best lime mortar mix?
We recommend the following procedure:
- Start with an empty mixer.
- Add 1 part sand.
- Mix in 1 part lime.
- Followed by 1.5 parts sand.
- Mix dry for at least 5 minutes.
- After 5 minutes slowly add water until the desired consistency is reached, it is very important not to drown the mix by adding too much water.
What can I use instead of lime mortar?
The lime in cement-lime plasters can be successfully replaced by the liquid mortar plasticisers DOMOLIT (dark coloured), or DOMOLIT-TR (transparent), which provide cement mortars with all the advantages of lime but without any of its disadvantages. Therefore: Increase bonding of the fresh mortar to the substrate.
Can you buy premixed lime mortar?
Lime Green hydraulic lime mortars are available pre-packed in 25kg paper sacks for smaller jobs or can be delivered in 1000kg bulk bags as required.
Can you mix lime mortar by hand?
Limes get hard by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. As such, you must add only just enough water to make the mortar workable. Mortar can be mixed by hand or in a modern cement mixer. Mix the mortar for 5 minutes, allow to rest for three minutes and re-mix for another three minutes.
Can you use plasticiser instead of lime?
Plasticiser can be used instead of lime to improve the workability and durability of mortar mixes. Lime tends to delay the drying time of mortar, whereas plasticisers don’t, still allowing ample time for adjustments. Ideal for use in bricklaying, pointing, rendering and back coatings.
What is the difference between hydraulic and non-hydraulic lime mortar?
Lime putty can be made from either type of lime, and is made by adding an excess of water to quicklime. Hydraulic lime putty will set underwater within hours or days making them impractical, whereas non-hydraulic lime putty will remain plastic and improve with age.
Is lime mortar expensive?
+ Lime mortar is generally more expensive than cement based mortar? Yes, it is more expensive due to production cost of lime vs cement, basically down to volume of production. As more lime is produced, cost will reduce.
Can I use washing up liquid as plasticiser?
Washing-up liquid Washing up liquid is commonly used as a plasticiser in cement mortar. However, it is thought to affect the long-term structural integrity of the mortar as it can add too much air, thereby creating bubbles. The surfactants in washing up liquid may also produce foam if used in excess.
Do I need a plasticiser in lime mortar?
As you say you shouldn’t need to use a plasticiser with lime – it is more to do with the sand. Sharp sand does provide extra strength among many other benefits but the big drawback is less workability. If for whatever reason I’m using sharp sand – i tend to cheat a little and add some soft sand to the mix.
Should I use hydraulic lime or hydrated lime?
They are sold as hydrated lime and have an initial set when water is added, followed by hardening while they absorb carbon dioxide….Comparison table:
| Hydraulic Lime | Non-hydraulic Lime |
|---|---|
| Sets by hydration (the addition of water) | Sets by carbonation (through exposure to the air) |
When did lime mortar stop being used UK?
Lime mortars were common until the 1930s, in some parts of the UK, even later. Limestone or chalk was burnt with coal to form Quicklime. The burnt lime is known as lump lime. The Quicklime was then slaked with water and then mixed with fine aggregates (nowadays sand) to form mortar.
Why choose natural hydraulic lime mortar?
This makes hydraulic lime mortar a popular choice for the modern builder. These NHL 3.5 hydraulic lime mortars are especially popular, suitable for external building work with most types of masonry in most locations. The most competitive prices available on Natural Hydraulic Lime (NHL) .
What is lime mortar made of?
Lime mortar made with local sand to produce a pale-yellow coloured mortar using Morestead 3mm sand and St Astier natural hydraulic lime. A dry powder which requires mixing with water on site.
Which lime mortar do heritage lime offer?
Here at Heritage Lime we offer the following lime mortars by phone call or email request only: Ashlar Mix, Traditional fine-grained mortar which is flexible and breathable, ideal for laying bricks and cut stone. Bristol Lime mortar, Our Bristol Mix, good for using when stone walling, re-pointing and new builds.
How many m2 will 1 tonne of lime mortar repoint?
1 tonne will repoint 120 to 160 m2 brickwork or lay approx. 1000 bricks. Lime Green Natural Mortar is a pigmented preblended (NHL) natural hydraulic lime mortar available in a large range of colours. A dry powder which requires mixing with water on site.