Healthy Home Healthy Living Home Renovations Natural Home Building Options By Ayda Walsh Share Tweet Share Share As our world evolves, our need for ancient building technologies should be looked at a lot more closely. These buildings have lasted centuries and are made of materials that are bio-degradable What is Lime?What is Lime Plaster? How is Lime Plaster made?What are the features of Lime Plaster?What can they be used for?What you should know about Lime Plaster.Cons of Lime Paster What is Lime? Lime is a type of calcium carbonate that is commonly used in construction and as a soil amendment in agriculture. It is typically derived from limestone or chalk and is produced by heating these materials to high temperatures. What is Lime Plaster? Lime plaster, also known as Venetian plaster or polished plaster, is a type of decorative plaster that is made from a mixture of lime, water, and various aggregates such as marble dust, silica sand, or crushed stone. It has been used for thousands of years as a decorative finish for walls and ceilings, particularly in Mediterranean and European countries.How is Lime Plaster made? To create lime plaster, first, the lime is mixed with water to create a lime putty. Then, the aggregates are added to the lime putty in small batches, and the mixture is stirred until it becomes a smooth, creamy consistency. The mixture is then applied to the wall or ceiling using a trowel in thin, even layers. The plaster is then left to dry and harden for several days or weeks, depending on the thickness of the layers.As the lime plaster dries, it undergoes a chemical reaction with carbon dioxide in the air, causing it to harden and become more durable over time. Lime plaster has many benefits, including its natural antimicrobial properties, breathability, and ability to regulate humidity levels in a room.In summary, lime is a type of calcium carbonate commonly used in construction and agriculture, while lime plaster is a decorative plaster made from a mixture of lime, water, and aggregates. Lime plaster is created by mixing lime putty and aggregates together, then applying the mixture to a surface in thin layers and allowing it to dry and harden over time.What are the features of Lime Plaster?Lime plaster has several additional features that make it a good choice for healthy Homes:Fire resistance: Lime plaster is a non-combustible material that can help prevent the spread of fire. When applied to walls or ceilings, it forms a protective layer that can help prevent flames from penetrating through to the underlying structure.Insect and pest resistance: Lime plaster is naturally resistant to insects and pests, such as termites and ants. This is due to its alkaline nature, which makes it unappealing to insects.Mold, bacteria and mildew resistance: Lime plaster's natural antimicrobial properties can help prevent the growth of mold and mildew, which can be a common problem in damp or humid environments.Breathability: Lime plaster's breathability can also help prevent the buildup of moisture that can attract pests and contribute to the growth of mold and mildew. Lime plaster is a breathable material, allowing moisture to pass through it. This makes it ideal for use in older buildings or in areas with high humidity levels.Durability: Lime plaster is known for its durability and can last for many years when applied correctly. It can withstand impact, moisture, and temperature changes.Versatility: Lime plaster can be used on a variety of surfaces, including walls, ceilings, and even floors. It can also be applied in a range of thicknesses and textures to achieve different decorative effects.Natural appearance: Lime plaster has a natural, textured appearance that is aesthetically pleasing and can add character to a space. It can also be tinted or colored to achieve a desired effect.Environmental sustainability: Lime plaster is an eco-friendly material that is made from natural ingredients and has a low carbon footprint.Ease of maintenance: Lime plaster is easy to maintain and can be cleaned with a soft brush or damp cloth. It can also be easily repaired if damaged. In addition to its decorative qualities, lime plaster has several other uses and applications, including:Restoration of historic buildings: Lime plaster is often used in the restoration of historic buildings as it is a traditional material that was commonly used in the past. It can help maintain the original character and appearance of the building while also providing a durable and long-lasting finish.Waterproofing: Lime plaster can be used to waterproof surfaces such as concrete, masonry, and brickwork. It is an ideal material for use in areas that are prone to moisture, such as basements or foundations.Insulation: Lime plaster can be used as an insulating material as it has a low thermal conductivity. When applied to walls or ceilings, it can help regulate indoor temperatures and reduce energy costs.Acoustic properties: Lime plaster has good acoustic properties and can help absorb sound waves. It is often used in music studios, concert halls, and other spaces where sound quality is important.Artistic applications: Lime plaster is a versatile material that can be sculpted and molded into various shapes and forms. It is often used by artists and sculptors to create decorative or artistic pieces.Overall, lime plaster is an awesome choice for those who are looking for healthy options for their habitat! It has so many great benefits and proves to be a great option for those who arelooking for healthier options for theiri home. Cons of Lime Plaster?While lime plaster has many benefits, it also has some potential drawbacks and limitations. Here are some of the cons of lime plaster:Cost: Lime plaster can be more expensive than other types of plaster and may require more skilled labor to apply.Longer drying time: Lime plaster takes longer to dry and cure compared to other types of plaster, which can delay the completion of a project.Softness: Lime plaster is softer and more brittle than other types of plaster, which can make it more prone to cracking or chipping.Maintenance: Lime plaster requires regular maintenance, including cleaning and reapplication of protective coatings. It may also require periodic repairs or touch-ups.Limited availability: Lime plaster may not be readily available in all areas, and it may be difficult to find skilled artisans who are experienced in working with lime plaster.Not suitable for all surfaces: Lime plaster may not be suitable for all surfaces, particularly those that are subject to frequent moisture or high levels of humidity.Overall, you will need to determine if the pros outweigh the costs for your specific unique situation. While lime plaster has many advantages, it may not be the best choice for every situation. But it is a time tested, ancient building technique that - in my opinion - should be utilized in our homes.Lime plaster is a versatile material that can be used in a variety of applications beyond its decorative qualities. Its waterproofing, insulating, acoustic, its resistance to fire, insects, and pests, as well as its ability to resist mold and mildew - and artistic properties make it a popular choice for a range of construction and renovation projects.Lime Plaster offers healthy options for those who are looking at options.If I missed something, please leave a message letting me know.I hope. you enjoyed a write up on the Lime Paster. And the great video created by Heirloom Builders - https://youtu.be/dXWUrDxQRfQ How useful was this post? Click on a star to rate it! Submit Rating Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0 No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.
