Conservation and repair of lime plaster and renders

Lynch, Conor (2013) Conservation and repair of lime plaster and renders. Bachelors thesis, Dundalk Institute of Technology.

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Abstract

Many years ago, the use of lime as the traditional method of plaster or renderings, had more or less ceased after thousands of years of being the vital ingredient in building material. Lime renders and plasters were applied to most cottages and rural houses. The survival of lime renders is owed to its ability, acting like a sponge, to absorb moisture then allow it to evaporate slowly over time. The purpose of this dissertation is to show that lime renders of plasters cannot be easily replaced with modern Portland cement without having a major consequence to old and traditional buildings. This dissertation was compiled from an extensive literature review under three specific headings; 1) Formation of Lime 2) Conservation Guidelines and Legislation and 3) Repair & Maintenance of Lime. A case study was undertaken on the restoration of lime render and plaster to a protected structure. The case study showed that unless there is a good commitment and understanding from the outset by the property owners, lime has to be treated differently to ordinary Portland cement, to allow conservation and restoration of the render and plaster. An interview was held with a professional who is heavily involved in conservation of buildings using lime. The interview was carried out so as to gain a clear understanding of the main conservation methods of lime plastering. The information that was gathered during this interview was compiled in order to add further weight to the case study and assess the techniques used in restoration of lime plasters and renders to old buildings.

Item Type:	Thesis (Bachelors)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Building conservation; Lime renders and plasters.
Subjects:	Engineering
Research Centres:	UNSPECIFIED
Depositing User:	Sean McGreal
Date Deposited:	10 Aug 2015 14:39
Last Modified:	10 Aug 2015 14:39
URI:	https://eprints.dkit.ie/id/eprint/469

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