The Lowdown on Lime Plaster
When it comes to plastering homes or build projects, most people don’t even realise that lime plaster is an option. When you’re painting, you can pick different finishes; matt, eggshell, gloss - well, it’s the same kind of idea with plaster! You’ve got your gypsum plaster (the pink one), cement based and lime. Of the three, lime is the one that stands out for being durable and eco-friendly.
Prior to WW2, lime materials were one of the only options for construction throughout the UK. However, when rebuilding following the war, standardisation and mass production became a priority. Plasterboard and concrete blocks became the norm and cement-based mortars and gypsum plasters became go to for building homes. Fast forward to the present day and the construction industry is beginning to turn back to lime - and there are so many reasons why
The ‘Breathability’ of Lime
Lime plaster and render are known for their breathing capabilities. Lime can absorb and release moisture and water vapour which is incredibly important in the construction process - especially in wet or humid climates! Lime plaster is brilliant for both new build and older properties for different reasons. In new builds, using lime enables the build to fully dry out following construction. Moisture from the construction, penetrations and from inside the house all need to get out and a lime render is perfect for this. For older buildings, there is often no cavity to keep moisture from getting inside. Additionally, older homes were usually constructed using porous building materials and lime can help to encourage any moisture from the building.
The Movement of Lime
Lime plaster and render (especially when used with fibre or animal hair in the mix) can be much more flexible than cement or gypsum plasters. This means they can be more resilient to cracking, something which is particularly useful if your house moves with the seasons!
The Finish of Lime
When dry and correctly applied, lime will leave you with a soft, matt finish. Although a softer material than gypsum or cement-based plasters, lime is a resilient material.
The Sustainability of Lime
First of all, lime is a completely natural material. It’s plentiful and sustainable! The mix of lime is also long-lasting. If you mix more lime plaster than you need, it can still be used the following day. This means that no fresh plaster goes in the skip, something which is considered the norm with cement and gypsum.