Induni Conservation Ltd. Registered in England, No.:6124875
Dr. Bruce Induni, consultant on stone and mortar
07971 194454 : induni_conservation@yahoo.co.uk
Mortar, plaster and render :
Keying lime plaster can be very difficult. Here the causes of failure are complex, but the dissolution of hair during storage of the plaster was probably a factor
Historic use of lime did not always follow best practice. This cornice has failed due to inadequate key between layers
Surface flaking typical of a lime/OPC mix failure.
1:1:6 and 1:2:9 mixes can be poor performers when frost is an issue
Darker areas are where non-
Lime pointing that has failed because of segregation due to overworking during placement
Modern conservation has come to depend on lime based mortars, but there is enormous confusion over what lime is, and what it can be expected to do.
The huge range of issues that have affected me directly as a contractor cannot be fully illustrated here. The pictures on the right represent a random sample of what can be achieved and what can go wrong.
I have used and experimented with all types of lime based mortar. My experience of both success and failure can prevent costly specification errors and be invaluable in promoting successful site practice.
