Sustainable building is the goal of the construction industry today. This is because, in the long run, construction will demand materials that are eco-friendly. With that in mind, the use of lime plaster will become more popular. Despite the rise of gypsum and cement, this material is still in high demand due to its low maintenance.
Lime plaster is a material that is durable and eco-friendly. The most interesting part is that this substance can heal itself when it cracks. Therefore, it is a popular choice for historical buildings and sustainable projects. Notably, for places that need moisture control. This one can handle that. If you are keen to know more about how this can become a sustainable choice, let’s delve into this article!
What is lime plaster used for?
Lime plaster is used to cover internal walls and ceilings. These substances have been used to finish interior surfaces. It has already been popular for thousands of years, but it is still applicable at any time and now due to how great this material is to prevent mould and cracks.
Historically, lime plaster has been used for 140 centuries in northern Jordan. Houses that were built before 1919 usually have been plastered using lime. This is because its colour is more off-white, rather than gypsum, which is mainly close to pinkish. This mixture comes from lime, sand, and water, making it look more appealing.
Sometimes, professionals also add fibres to give more strength to the mix. Another benefit of mixing the fibres, like animal hair to make a good bind with the substructure. Furthermore, the lime itself comes from limestone, chalk, or seashells formed from calcium carbonate. Then, it will be burnt to produce the quick lime.
Advantages of using lime plaster
Using lime plaster to cover your inner walls or ceilings before painting has many advantages. This is because as soon as it is set, it absorbs carbon dioxide from the air. Then, it turns to form calcium carbonate, similar to limestone. As lime dries, it will be breathable, allowing moisture to ingress and egress through walls. Moreover, here are its advantages:
- Prevent dampness: Lime plaster is breathable, allowing moisture to go in and out. With that in mind, it can prevent dampness.
- Eco-friendly option: Lime can absorb carbon dioxide, making it healthier for the environment. This material also has less energy to produce, compared to the other substances.
- Improve air quality: Believe it or not, lime plaster can act like a natural dehumidifier. It can remove moisture from the air when needed. It can also release it back when the air is too dry.
- Long-lasting use: As it has tiny particles, it can penetrate deep into tiny gaps. Over time, this plaster becomes stronger due to calcite crystals forming.
- Flexible: Its flexibility is also worth special mention due to its ability to heal itself if cracks appear.
Types of lime plastering
Lime plaster has a few types you can choose from based on your needs. However, its price can be expensive and requires skilled workers to handle this material. The setting times are also another challenge. Otherwise, its benefits are still many to offer compared to its challenges. As you can see, many ancient buildings still exist today. This is because they mainly used this plastering.
Additionally, the lime used in plaster needs to be considered for its consistency. When you want to apply it in the building. When it is blended with water and sand, it needs to become slaked lime to make it sticky yet easier to apply. Moreover, here is the type of it:
Non-Hydraulic Lime
Hydraulic Lime plaster has characteristics. It has a slow set process, which is called carbonation. Its process can absorb carbon dioxide from the air. Due to its slow process, the setting needs several months to cure fully. However, it is less prone to cracking than cement, making it low-maintenance.
Lime Putty
Lime putty is still not as popular as hydraulic and non-hydraulic lime. It is a thick and creamy paste, making it essential in traditional building and conservation work. After the mixture combines with water, it will create a reaction and form a smooth and buttery paste. That is why it is called lime putty.
Natural Hydraulic Lime
Natural Hydraulic Lime plaster is made from natural ingredients like silica, clay, or other mineral materials. This makes it set much faster than non-hydraulic lime. This is because when it is mixed with water, it undergoes a chemical reaction. Therefore, it is ideal for outdoor applications due to its waterproofing ability, which is weatherproofing and can handle moisture.
Cement plaster vs plaster lime
Lime plaster offers different benefits than cement plaster. Hence, making these two materials different. Even though their jobs are the same as plastering walls or ceilings, their characteristics are different. In many cases, lime can be better than cement. This is because it is very breathable and can prevent dampness.
Meanwhile, cement tends to trap moisture that can cause dampness or mould. It is also rigid and prone to cracking. On the contrary, lime plaster is more flexible and more resistant to cracking, making it a great option in areas that are prone to earthquakes. Even though the price may be higher, lime is also more durable over the centuries. Cement can also be more durable, but it can degrade faster if there is a crack in it.
The biggest difference between these two is their eco-friendliness. Cement produces more carbon dioxide, while lime absorbs it as soon as it dries. Nevertheless, when in large construction with tight deadlines, using cement is the best option due to it sets quickly. It is also cheaper and faster to apply, unlike lime.
Tips for using lime plastering
Applying lime plaster can be challenging. Therefore, to be successful, you need the right preparation. In this section, we’ll give you tips on using lime plastering. This is because this material is expensive, and using it correctly is essential for not wasting your money. To know more, here are the tips for you before applying it to your walls or ceilings:
- Preparation of the surface: Make sure your walls or ceilings are clean and free from any vegetation. This will make lime easier to dry.
- Suction control and bonding: Another thing is you need to ensure whether the surface has a good suction or not. This is because when it has poor suction can lead to weak bonding and powdery.
- Salt contamination: When salt contaminants are detected, they should never be washed from the surface. You just need to brush it from the surface. This is because the salt will crystallise and become a soluble state.
- Techniques of natural hydraulic lime plaster: This plaster is usually applied in three coats, but older buildings only have one or two coats. On the first coat, apply about 10 mm thick using a steel trowel, and let it harden for 72 hours. Then, the second coat is only a floating coat to straighten and level the wall. The third is only like skimming.
Conclusion
The construction industry has many advancements you may need to know later on. Specifically, when you want to pursue your career in this field. As we were discussing lime plaster, its use has already been here for centuries. However, many people have already shifted to cement due to it sets fast. Therefore, knowing yourself in this substance can help you use the right coating for your walls or ceilings.
Lastly, the College of Contract Management has many courses in the construction industry. The course is held online, allowing you to join wherever you are. If you are interested, you just need to enrol on the topic you may want to know deeper. The course is led by a professional lecturer, who will give you many benefits and knowledge in the construction industry.
