Summary
Not all limes are the same. From air limes and lime putties to natural hydraulic limes and hot-mixed mortars, each has distinct properties that influence how it performs in different construction and conservation contexts. Sel
ecting the right lime is not simply about strength. Good practice requires understanding the characteristics of the host masonry and ensuring the mortar is compatible, often meaning it should be softer and more permeable than the surrounding stone or brick.
Following the successful Building with Lime introductory webinar, this second session in the ASBP Lime Group series focussed on how to choose the most appropriate lime for a given application. Adam Brown of Cornish Lime explained the main categories of building lime, how they are defined within current standards, and how factors such as exposure conditions, substrate compatibility and moisture behaviour influence specification decisions.
Additional speakers from the ASBP Lime Group presented case studies and join a discussion on the practicalities of specifying and using lime-based mortars, plasters and renders in real projects.
The ASBP Lime Group brings together leading UK manufacturers and suppliers of lime-based products to collaborate on improving understanding of lime in construction through research, guidance, knowledge sharing and collective advocacy.
What you will learn
Building on the introductory Building with Lime session, this webinar took a deeper look at how to select the most appropriate lime for different applications.
Viewers will:
- Gain a clearer understanding of the main types of building lime, including air limes, lime putties and natural hydraulic limes, and how they differ in performance and application.
- Learn how factors such as substrate, exposure conditions, moisture behaviour and compatibility influence the correct choice of lime mortar, plaster or render.
- Explore practical examples of lime use across a range of contexts including new build, retrofit and historic buildings.
- Hear from members of the ASBP Lime Group and learn how manufacturers and suppliers are working collaboratively to improve knowledge and guidance on lime products.
Chapters
00:00:00 Welcome and Introduction – Richard Broad, Director, ASBP
00:05:10 How to choose the most appropriate lime for your building project – Adam Brown, Cornerstone/Cornish Lime
00:37:06 Case study: wich of these is most important? Skills, detailing, or materials? – John Paish and Nigel Gervis, Tŷ-Mawr
00:46:20 Case studies: Cannock Mill and Sutton Dwellings – Dominic Putnam, Lime Green Products Ltd
00:58:25 Q&A