Should I use lime mortar for pointing?

Should I use lime mortar for pointing?

Lime mortar is advantageous as it allows the structure to breathe, because of this moisture wont get trapped within a building causing a number of issues such as damp walls. Where your inspection uncovers any defects in pointing, the correct quantity should be removed.

Which lime to use for repointing?

Lime Mortar

Lime Type Host Surface Exposure
Lime Putty Soft/Friable too Reasonably sound Sheltered
NHL 2 Soft/Friable too Reasonably sound Sheltered
NHL 3.5 Reasonably sound to Very Hard Sheltered to Moderate
NHL 5 Very durable hard Exposed

Can you use lime mortar in a mortar gun?

We are often asked if our lime mortars can be used with a conventional pointing gun. The answer is that you can with certain machines, usually the forced action/auger based machines as opposed to the plunger type. Both Hydraulic and Non-Hydraulic (Lime Putty) mortars are suitable for machine application.

Can I use lime instead of cement?

Lime mortar today is primarily used in the conservation of buildings originally built using lime mortar, but may be used as an alternative to ordinary portland cement. It is made principally of lime (hydraulic, or non hydraulic), water and an aggregate such as sand.

How long should lime pointing be covered?

Summer protection is vital to stop lime mortars/plaster/paints from drying out too quickly from winds and direct sun – (hessian is ideal as it can be wetted down). Lime should be kept damp for at least 7 days from application otherwise it will just dry and crumble.

Why lime mortar is not used?

If work is being undertaken to a historic structure, it is important to establish what sort of mortar was used in its original construction (or what sort of mortar predominates in the existing construction) as the use of the wrong mortar can lead to deterioration of the masonry, and the properties of lime mortar and …

Is lime mortar better than cement mortar?

Lime mortar has better properties than straight concrete mortar. These qualities help structures withstand weathering and aging better than before. If your stonework has an ordinary concrete mortar between the stones, you will have probably noticed cracking, pitting and crumbling.

What happens if lime mortar dries too quickly?

When lime mortar dries too quickly it results in whitening on the surface. This is the lime being drawn to the surface. As mortar carbonates it needs to dry out slowly. It needs to be kept moist (not wet) for at least 10 days.

What kind of mortar to use for lime pointing?

Lime mortars for lime pointing are generally softer and more porous compared to mixes using cement therefore allowing moisture to evaporate from the joints more freely.

What was the use of burning oyster shells?

Lime made from burning oyster shells had another important use on the North Carolina coast as well. Coastal people also produced lime from oyster shells in order to fertilize their fields and gardens. Then, as now, lime (which is primarily calcium carbonate), was a crucial fertilizer for many crops.

What kind of mortar to use for bonded stonework?

When considering bonded stonework always consider the correct use of a specialist lime mortar – Hot Lime Mortars, Natural Hydraulic Lime Mortars, Lime Puttys

Where was lime made out of oyster shells?

In Edenton, for instance, the Lane House, built circa 1718-19 and the state’s oldest known domicile, has interior walls covered with a whitewash made from slaked lime produced from burnt oyster shells. Lime made from burning oyster shells had another important use on the North Carolina coast as well.