Hydraulic Lime, Practical Advantages

Natural Hydraulic Lime (NHL) is generally associated with building conservation or as a green, eco-building material. That’s hardly surprising, hydraulic lime goes back as far as the Greeks, Egyptions and Romans. It’s use diminished in Britain in the 19th century as people adopted modern Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC).

However, we’re learning more about these traditional materials now, than was ever known when they were popular. The inherent natural properties of hydraulic lime provide the same practical benefits of modern OPC but with none of the disadvantages. Naturally, NHL is perfectly suited for new build and can play an important role in the future of modern construction.

Fast Setting

Hydraulic lime is fast setting, it can be used on-site just as efficiently as modern cement.

Hydraulic

It sets by hydrolysis, this means it will also set underwater.

Excellent for marine construction or masonry exposed to severe weather conditions.

No Shrinkage

Shrinkage cracks in mortar and render are virtually eliminated due to its hydraulic setting characteristics.

Breathable

It is breathable (vapour permeable), absorbing and evaporating moisture from surrounding masonry.

This also helps to protect the masonry, there is less risk of salt and frost damage.

Flexible

It has a low modulus of elasticity.

This means it is extremely flexible and allows for movement and thermal expansion.

Adaptable

Available in NHL 2, NHL 3.5 and NHL 5 grades.

This allows design of mortars suitable for masonry of varied density and degrees of weather exposure.

Workable

It is supplied in powdered form, it is pretty much the same as mixing and working with a modern cement.

Mixed to the right consistency, hydraulic lime mortar, render or plaster are beautiful materials to work with.

Sympathetic

It is softer than modern cement, a softer mortar will not wear away the surrounding masonry over time. Bricks and stones are also reclaimed more easily if dismantled.

Aesthetic

Hydraulic lime mortars are indistinguishable from non-hydraulic limes.

They carry the same chamring, traditional appeareance.