Why Choose Hot Lime?

Hot lime, or quick lime, is particularly well-suited for Grade I and II listed buildings, conservation areas, historical properties, and structures built before the 1940s, where matching existing materials is essential. This traditional building vapour permeability, composed primarily of lime, sand, and water, is renowned for its exceptional adhesion, workability, and setting properties, making it suitable for various construction applications.

Survey, Mortar Analysis, and Documentation

We conduct thorough on-site surveys to assess your project and recommend the most appropriate lime types tailored to your specific requirements. Our commitment to matching new lime with the original mortar’s vapour permeability and strength includes the use of different coloured sands and special dyes for customised colour matching. We offer a diverse range of rendering finishes, allowing you to choose one that complements the existing appearance or is suited to prevailing weather conditions. Our expertise focuses on Grade I and II listed buildings, ensuring the preservation of the original structure’s authenticity. With extensive experience in managing Listed Building Consent and collaborating closely with conservation officers, we are well-equipped to assist you throughout the entire process, providing guidance at every stage and handling the submission of any necessary documentation on your behalf.

Enhanced Adhesion

Hot lime render exhibits superior adhesion to various substrates, ensuring a strong bond between the render and the underlying surface. As it dries and carbonates, it gains strength and durability by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, ultimately reverting to calcium carbonate.

Breathable and Flexible

Hot lime render’s high vapour permeability allows moisture to escape from the substrate, minimising the risk of trapped moisture and associated structural issues. This characteristic makes it particularly ideal for older buildings, historic structures, and Grade I and II listed buildings, where breathability is essential for preserving the integrity of original materials. The application of hot lime render typically involves multiple coats, each of which must cure adequately to achieve a uniform finish. The render can be applied in various textures, offering aesthetic flexibility while providing effective weather resistance.

Compatibility with Softer Substrates

Hot lime render is especially compatible with soft handmade clay bricks and natural stone due to its softer composition, making it a preferred choice over natural hydraulic limes. Although hot lime can be more expensive than its hydraulic counterparts, this is primarily due to the more labour-intensive mixing, application, and curing processes involved. We primarily use quick lime for Grade I and II listed buildings, where maintaining the authenticity of the original structure is paramount.

Timber-Framed Applications and Below Damp-Proof Course Levels

Hot lime can also be effectively employed below the damp-proof course (DPC) level, where increased vapour permeability is crucial. Its inherent flexibility makes it an excellent option for timber-frame buildings, Tudor properties, wattle and daub, as well as lath ceilings and partitions. Synthetic fibres can be integrated and a course aggregate can be added into the initial coat to further enhance flexibility and strength.

Self-Healing

Quick lime  possesses a remarkable self-healing property that enhances durability and longevity by allowing it to repair minor cracks and imperfections caused by environmental factors or structural movements. When exposed to moisture and carbon dioxide, a chemical reaction occurs with the calcium hydroxide in the lime, reforming calcium carbonate that effectively fills cracks and restores surface integrity. This self-healing capability not only maintains a smooth finish, enhancing aesthetic appeal, but also protects the underlying structure by minimising moisture ingress and preventing further damage. Additionally, this property aligns with sustainable building practices by extending the material’s lifespan and reducing the need for extensive repairs, making lime an excellent choice for conservation projects and historic buildings where preserving original materials is crucial.

Summary

Hot lime render is a highly effective and versatile construction material, valued for its strength, workability, adhesion, and breathability. Its unique properties make it an ideal choice restoration projects, where preserving historical authenticity and structural integrity is critical.

For further details about one of our selected materials manufacturers, please click on the link below:

Lime Plaster (Base) - www.chalkdownlime.com