a traditional technique
What is Lime Plastering?
Lime plastering, a traditional building technique dating back centuries, involves the application of a mixture of lime, water, and sometimes sand onto walls or ceilings. This method not only provides a durable and long-lasting finish but also offers numerous benefits for both the structure and the environment.
Why Lime Plastering?
Lime plaster is known for its breathability, allowing moisture to evaporate from the surface rather than becoming trapped within the walls. This natural material also has antimicrobial properties that help prevent mould and mildew growth. Additionally, lime plaster creates a beautifully smooth and elegant finish that can be left natural or painted over with breathable mineral paints. As this material, is applied proper curing time and techniques must be implemented in order to achieve a strong bond between layers. At Willowbrook this is part of our Minimum Service Standards.
Lime plastering is a timeless craft that continues to be valued for its sustainability, aesthetics, and performance in construction projects around the world.
Is lime plastering more expensive?
Lime plastering can be more expensive than modern gypsum or cement-based plastering due to several factors. The materials themselves, such as high-quality lime and specific aggregates, and the work involved. Lime plastering is labor-intensive and requires skilled craftsmanship to apply correctly, which increases labor costs. However, the benefits, including its breathability, flexibility, and compatibility with older buildings, can offset the higher expense by providing a longer-lasting, more sustainable finish that is particularly valuable in historic restorations.
Does lime plaster stop damp?
Lime plastering has long been hailed as a solution to damp problems in buildings, particularly older structures with solid walls. The unique properties of lime allow it to absorb moisture from the air and release it back out, making it an excellent choice for regulating humidity levels within a building. In addition, lime plaster is breathable, meaning that water vapour can pass through it rather than becoming trapped within the walls. This not only helps prevent damp issues but also allows the walls to dry out naturally, reducing the risk of mould growth and decay. Furthermore, lime plaster is alkaline in nature, creating an environment that is hostile to mould and bacteria. When applied correctly by skilled craftsmen using traditional techniques, lime plaster can provide a durable and effective barrier against damp for many years to come.
What are the disadvantages of lime plaster?
Due to lime plaster’s soft nature, if not applied correctly, under the right drying conditions, it can develop hairline cracks as the building settles or experiences movement. This is one of the reasons we are so meticulous in our application. Lime plastering requires a longer drying time compared to other types of plasters but we think the longevity, durability, environmental benefits, aesthetics and authenticity outweighs this minor inconvenience.
How much is lime plastering per m2?
When considering the cost of lime plastering per square meter, it is important to take into account various factors such as the type of lime being used (hydraulic or non-hydraulic), the skill level of the tradesperson applying it, and the condition of the surface being plastered. However, this price can vary depending on location, project complexity, and any additional finishes or treatments required. We pride ourselves in ensuring that any quote we provide is thoroughly scoped and realistic, mitigating any nasty surprises. Ultimately, investing in lime plastering not only adds value to your property but also ensures a high-quality finish that will stand the test of time.
Do you need special paint for lime plaster?
When it comes to lime plastering, using the right type of paint is crucial for achieving a successful and long-lasting finish. Lime plaster is a highly porous material that allows walls to breathe and naturally regulate moisture levels within a building. Due to its unique composition, traditional paints containing synthetic materials or high levels of acrylics can trap moisture within the plaster, leading to issues such as flaking, cracking, or mould growth over time. Therefore, it is essential to use a special type of breathable paint specifically designed for lime plaster surfaces. These paints are typically mineral-based and allow water vapour to pass through them freely without compromising the integrity of the underlying plaster.
How long does lime plaster last?
When properly applied and maintained, lime plaster can last for a significant amount of time, often exceeding 100 years. The key to its longevity lies in its ability to breathe, allowing moisture to evaporate and preventing cracks from forming. Additionally, lime plaster is known for its self-healing properties, as it can slowly reabsorb carbon dioxide from the air over time, essentially repairing itself. This natural process helps maintain the integrity of the plaster surface and prolongs its lifespan. In comparison to modern cement-based plasters, lime plaster is more flexible and less prone to cracking or crumbling over time, making it an ideal choice for historic buildings. Its unique composition also makes it resistant to mould growth and insect damage, further adding to its durability.
Can mould grow on lime plaster?
Due to its alkaline nature, lime plaster creates an inhospitable environment for mould growth. This makes it an ideal choice for damp or humid environments where mould growth may be a problem with other building materials. Additionally, the high porosity of lime plaster allows moisture to evaporate quickly, further inhibiting mould growth.
How thick should lime plaster be?
When considering how thick lime plaster should be, it is important to understand that the thickness can vary depending on the specific application. Generally, lime plaster is applied in several coats, with each coat being relatively thin – usually between 3-5mm thick. This allows for better adhesion and helps prevent cracking as the plaster dries and cures. However, when applying lime plaster over substrates with irregularities or imperfections, a thicker coat may be necessary to achieve a smooth finish. Our years of experience mean that we are able to gauge fairly easily, how much plaster any individual project will need.
Does lime plaster insulate walls?
The unique composition of lime plaster allows for excellent thermal conductivity. Unlike traditional cement-based plasters, lime plaster has microscopic air pockets that trap heat and create a barrier against temperature fluctuations. This natural insulation not only helps regulate indoor temperatures but also reduces energy costs by minimising heat loss through walls. When applying lime plaster we recommend a thickness of at least 10mm to ensure optimal insulation performance.
Does lime plaster breathe?
Lime plaster has been used for centuries as a versatile building material due to its breathable nature. Unlike modern synthetic materials such as cement or gypsum plasters, which can trap moisture within walls leading to dampness and mould growth, lime plaster allows water vapour to evaporate freely. This breathability helps regulate humidity levels within a building, promoting a healthier indoor environment. Additionally, lime plaster has insulating properties that can help improve the thermal performance of a wall.
Should I use lime or gypsum plaster?
Lime Plaster is ideal for the restoration of historic buildings, for use in humid environments, where an environmentally friendly solution is required or where breathability and longevity are crucial. Gypsum Plaster on the other hand is more suited to new constructions, interior walls and ceilings, and projects that require a quick turnaround where authenticity and longevity is not of such importance. For many years Gypsum plaster was used on historic and listed buildings causing many problems today. If your property has this issue we offer an unsuitable and unstable render removal service that you may be interested in.
