Limes

Lime is a traditional building material known for its versatility and unique properties, making it a key component in construction. Unlike cement, which sets quickly and forms a rigid structure, lime is slower-setting and remains more flexible over time. This allows lime-based mortars and renders to accommodate movement and slight shifts in buildings without cracking, making it ideal for restoration work on historic structures. At FORT Builders Merchant, we stock two key lime products: Hydrated Lime, which is commonly used to improve the plasticity of mortars and renders, and Hydraulic Lime, which sets faster and is suitable for use in structural applications like stonework, as well as for creating durable, breathable mortars.

Hydraulic Lime vs. Hydrated Lime:

• Hydraulic Lime (NHL 3.5) sets through a chemical reaction with water, making it suitable for exterior applications and environments with exposure to moisture, such as foundations or exposed masonry. It offers greater strength and faster setting times.
• Hydrated Lime is non-hydraulic and sets through carbonation (reaction with CO2 in the air). It is best suited for interior applications, plastering, or used in conjunction with Portland cement to improve mortar flexibility and water retention.