What is the mix for lime mortar pointing?
Mix in 1 part lime. Followed by 1.5 parts sand. Mix dry for at least 5 minutes. After 5 minutes slowly add water until the desired consistency is reached, it is very important not to drown the mix by adding too much water.
What is the best mortar mix for pointing?
Mortar is used to lay bricks and with time may need repointing. The preferable mortar mix ratio for pointing is 1-part mortar and either 4 or 5 parts building sand. The ratio will vary depending on what exactly is being pointed. For bricklaying, you will usually want a 1:4 ratio with plasticiser added to the mixture.
Can you use lime mortar in a pointing 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.
Should I use lime mortar for pointing?
When a building needs repointing, the use of lime products, either hydraulic or putty based is a must to correctly preserve the building. The use of a lime mortar for pointing in general masonry allows you to use a material that is both porous and softer compared with mortars that feature cement.
Is lime mortar better than cement?
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.
Can I use building sand for lime mortar?
For lime putty mortars, the sand used for building, pointing and backing coats of render and plaster should be a washed sharp coarse sand.
Can you repoint over old mortar?
Can You Mortar Over Old Mortar? If your brick is 50 years old or less, you can probably repoint it safely with modern, portland cement–based mortar (although the guy doing the next repointing, who’ll have to grind it out, may curse your decision).
What is the ratio of sand and cement for pointing?
For pointing use 4 parts soft sand and 1 part cement. For high traffic areas, a stronger mix of 3 parts soft sand and 1 part cement can be used.
What is hydraulic lime used for?
Hydraulic limes set by hydrolysis, a reaction caused by water. It causes a faster and harder set, therefore these limes are more often used for exterior work, especially in exposed or damp conditions. Hydraulic limes are available as a bagged powder and in differing degrees of strength.
Should I use lime mortar or cement?
When should lime mortar be used?
Lime mortar is composed of lime (hydraulic, or non hydraulic), water and an aggregate such as sand. Lime mortar today is primarily used in the conservation of existing old buildings or the recreation of new ones using traditional methods.
Why do you put lime in cement?
Incorporating an appropriate proportion of hydrated lime into a cement-based mixture improves plasticity and workability, making the product easier to handle on the trowel. Hydrated lime also increases water retention which helps to improve the contact and bond with the substrate.
Is there such a thing as hydrated lime mortar?
Hydrated Lime Mortar When people refer to lime mortar they’re generally referring to mortar made with hydraulic lime or fat lime putty, sand and no cement. However, for most modern bricklayers and builders, the only exposure they’ve had to lime products is hydrated lime.
What kind of mortar to use for pointing?
We would never use NHL5 for pointing and would tend to generally mix a mortar based on 3 parts sharp sand and 1 part NHL3.5 by volume. This would change to NHL2 or a lime putty mix if the masonry is very soft. Pointing: Start at the top of a wall to allow for cleaning up and spraying to continue.
What should the mix ratio be for lime mortar?
Generally, lime mortar mix ratio for brickwork ranges from 1:3 to 1:5 depending on the strength. The mix proportions provide below are a guide from which a mix can be selected to suit the construction and local environmental conditions. Other aspects, such as the type of brick or stone, or the sand being used will affect the final mix.
Which is better lime mortar or lime putty?
A proper lime mortar will harden sufficiently & “breath” better than a cement mix. Personally, I’d use lime putty, its far better, but I have used bagged lime slaked to a putty then mixed, it’s not pukka but it does the job. Don’t get locked into the idea of using cement to harden the mix, it will harden enough.
