This one day workshop aims to provide an introductory guide to the preparation and use of  lime mortars.

Lime mortars have a long history of use in the UK, with evidence visible throughout the nation on traditional buildings and structures.

The course will discuss the use of lime putty as a binder, natural hydraulic limes (NHLs) and hot mixing to create mortars and plasters.

The course will cover health and safety implications, constituents, preparation of mortars, correct mixing equipment and critically at which point these mortars should be used for particular applications

Course suitability

This course is aimed at building contractors (including stonemasons, bricklayers, lime workers and labourers) and Specifiers (including architects, building surveyors, engineers and other heritage professionals) involved in historic building repair, reconstruction and the consolidation of historic structures.  Spaces are limited and priority will be given to people who live and/ or work in Carmarthenshire.

Course Programme – through a blend of theory and practical sessions

- Health and safety;

- Historic preparation and use of lime based mortars;

- Understanding the range and production methods of lime binders available in the UK today;

- Importance of aggregates, pozzolans and other additives

- Hot mixed’ mortars

- Causes of failure – including slow slaking, slow carbonation, wet and exposed locations, unpredictable materials and avoiding failures;

- Developing a specification for lime mortar repairs – factors to consider, mix proportions, mixing equipment and Building Standards