SPONSORED
Definition of Limecrete and its Benefit
Ever heard of Limecrete? Limecreteor lime concrete is concrete where cement is replaced by lime. One successful formula was developed in the mid-1800s by Dr. John E. Park. We know that lime has been used since Roman Times either as mass foundation concretes or as lightweight concretes using a variety of aggregates combined with a wide range of pozzolans (fired materials) that help to achieve increased strength and speed of set.
This meant that lime could be used in a much wider variety of applications than previously such as floors, vaults or domes. Over the last decade, there has been a renewed interest in using lime for these applications again. This is because of environmental benefits and potential health benefits, when used with other lime products.
Environmental Benefits of Limecrete
Lime is burnt at a lower temperature than cement and so has an immediate energy saving of 20% (although kilns etc. are improving so figures do change). A standard lime mortar has about 60-70% of the embodied energy of a cement mortar. It is also considered to be more environmentally friendly because of its ability, through carbonation, to re-absorb its own weight in Carbon Dioxide (compensating for that given off during burning).
Lime mortars allow other building components such as stone, wood and bricks to be reused and recycled because they can be easily cleaned of mortar/limewash. Lime enables other natural and sustainable products such as wood (including woodfibre, wood wool boards), hemp, straw etc. to be used because of its ability to control moisture.
Health Benefits of Limecrete
Lime plaster is hygroscopic (literally means 'water seeking') which draws the moisture from the internal to the external environment, this helps to regulate humidity creating a more comfortable living environment as well as helping to control condensation and mould growth which have been shown to have links to allergies and asthmas. Lime plasters and limewash are non-toxic, therefore they do not contribute to indoor air pollution unlike some modern paints.
