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| Alternative technologies | ||
Why the best mortars use lime!Background The use of lime in construction is as old as civilization itself, and there are many examples of buildings that have stood for millennia in testament to the qualities of lime. Lime putty and Natural Hydraulic Limes are often recommended for the restoration of older buildings, although modern construction techniques prefer the strength properties conferred by Portland cement. Lime in modern construction Lime is no longer a local material burnt in a rudimentary kiln and slaked in a tin bath. Modern lime is a high purity industrial chemical produced in sophisticated, fuel efficient kilns to demanding standards, such as EN459 for use in the construction industry. As an inclusion in a mortar mix, together with cement and aggregates, lime confers some excellent benefits.
The many benefits of using lime in mortars are discussed at length in numerous documents, including MIA data sheets, BLA technical information and publications by the BRE. They are summarised as follows;
So why don’t all mortars use lime? Mortar producers can add other materials to achieve some of these benefits, although no additive will confer all of the benefits that can be achieved by the simple addition of this time-honoured material. These additives can have unwelcome side effects, but under pressure to reduce costs, lime will sometimes be removed from the mix unless it is specified. We recommend that you specify lime to EN459 in your mortar to ensure that you get the best available mortar for modern construction. More information can be found on lime in mortars from the Mortar Industry Association website: http://www.mortar.org.uk/whichmortar.php Download ‘The use of lime in mortar’ datasheet from the Mortar Industry Association website: http://www.mortar.org.uk/downloads/miadata18.pdf Download ‘Factory produced lime:sand mortar for masonry’ datasheet from the Mortar Industry Association website: http://www.mortar.org.uk/downloads/miadata01.pdf Download ‘Factory produced lime:sand mortar for paving’ datasheet from the Mortar Industry Association website: http://www.mortar.org.uk/downloads/miadata06.pdf Download ‘The benefits of factory produced lime:sand mortar for masonry’ datasheet from the Mortar Industry Association website: |
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