Lime is the oldest known binding material to be used in building monuments such as churches, basilicas, aqueducts, houses, etc. Cement is a relatively modern material as it is only 200 years old, while lime has been used in construction since Roman times. Mortars made from slaked lime or putty lime offer excellent plasticity and workability and coatings prepared from putty lime are very highly rated by the most demanding architects and prestigious restorers, due to its unique properties such as heat and sound insulation, ability to fill cracks, adherence and water-resistance, offering whiter, more aesthetically attractive and long-lasting building work.
With effect from 1 August 2003, lime for construction and public works has had to have a CE mark to be marketed and used (European Council Directive 89/106/EEC).
CALCINOR holds this mark in all its factories for Aerated Lime CL 90Q and CL 90S and aged putty lime in accordance with the requirements of standard UNE EN 459-1 "Building lime – definitions, specifications and conformity criteria".
The characteristics of mortars made with slaked lime, manufactured by MORTEROS CALHIDRO, S.L., are as follows:
- Excellent adherence to the support. Increase in resistance throughout the lime recarbonation cycle.
- Low shrinkage.
- Greater plasticity which allows the mortar to adapt to distortions in the support.
- Resistant to rainwater.
- Permeable to water vapour which allows the walls to eliminate condensation and the appearance of damp patches.
- Resistant to frost due to the absence of capillarity.
- Excellent fire resistance (class A1).
- Excellent acoustic and thermal insulation.
- Less efflorescence due to the low solubility of slaked lime.
- Increase in water retention.
Conclusions:
Mixed mortars or pure slaked lime mortars are natural, healthy and environmentally clean mortars. The application of this kind of mortar is suitable for both interiors and
exteriors.
The slaked lime or putty lime used in interior mortars acts as a humidity regulator; the walls do not “sweat” and a perfect finish and whiteness are achieved, enhancing the sensation of wellbeing. To achieve a perfect finish, we advocate the use of wet mortars made from putty lime to obtain perfect coatings with a glossy finish.
