Lime BenefitsLime paints and plasters initially gained favor in the U.S. because of their beauty. But these aesthetic products offer critically important sustainable performance advantages, too.
Correctly formulated as a truly sustainable lime paint or plaster, a pure, natural lime does not include any artificial admixtures, plastics, or harmful chemicals.
bioLime naturally and gently binds, providing good adhesion for other surfaces and applications.
Specifically aged, pure, natural bioLime enables a simpler approach in workability over Portland cements, acrylic-based plasters, modern stuccos, and even synthetically manipulated limes. bioLime is smoother, more flexible, cream-like, easier to form, and features excellent bonding characteristics.
A pure, natural lime paint or plaster is easy to patch and maintain. You can restore fresh lime plaster with water for up to a week after application. In addition, lime's gradual setting process enables it to adjust itself to a foundation better than Portland cement, and other synthetic and/or acrylic-based plasters.
Good workability greatly assists good workmanship. This helps explain why a properly formulated hydrated lime is such a pleasure to use.
In our view, sustainable structures should be designed to breathe, just as we do. If a building envelope is too air tight, moisture can become trapped inside.
One of the outstanding benefits of using lime as an internal or external finish is its high porosity. bioLime allows you to build permeable wall systems, eliminating standing condensation. A lime-finished structure "breathes", enabling moisture to evaporate.
If you're building in a damp or tropical climate, preventing moisture damage is especially critical. Using lime as a finishing material will enable you to build structures that prohibit moisture, bacteria, mold, and mildew from forming within the building envelope.
Lime paints and plasters can tolerate damp and sea-side applications that would normally de-laminate acrylic-based plasters, latex-based paints, conventional stuccos, and even Portland cement and Gypsum-based plasters.
Lime is mold-resistant and a natural biocide. Due to lime's high pH (between 12-12.5), it serves to reduce indoor air pollutants, while making the structure hygienically sound and easy to clean.
When structures made of lime are subjected to small movements, they are more likely to develop many fine cracks than the individual large cracks, which occur in stiffer cement-bound structures. Water penetration into these fine cracks can dissolve "free" lime and bring it to the surface. As the water evaporates, this lime is then "re-deposited" and begins to self-fuse, healing the cracks.
This explains why some old lime structures on non-stable foundations distort with age, but do not fail.
Often, soft lime paints and plasters are used as protection for structures, particularly from severe rain. In essence, these lime products act "sacrificially" in protecting buildings.
Amazingly, when designed correctly, lime will not allow penetrating water to enter a structure.
Lime is exceptionally durable. The Pantheon, the classic temple in Rome, is constructed of lime and spans over 140 feet. Incredibly, this beautiful structure has lasted nearly 1,900 years. Lime's durability is evident throughout the ages.
Lime plays a pivotal role in creating optimal thermal protection. When designed correctly, a building finished with lime will keep inhabitants warmer in cooler climates and cooler in warmer climates.
Lime is a natural fire-retardant, making it a wise choice for timber-frame and thatch construction.
Unlike synthetic paints and plasters, lime is unaffected by direct UV-ray sunlight. Lime will not trap the sun's heat, nor will it crack, fade, or lose color under continuous UV-ray exposure.
Lime surfaces feature a beautiful luminescence and are pleasing to the senses. A lime-finished structure enhances comfort, tranquility, and a communion with the Earth.
See The bioLime Difference to understand our approach.
For more than 7,500 years, lime has served as the principal binder in mortar, plaster, render, and lime wash. Dating back to the days of ancient Egypt, Greek, and Rome, and throughout the civilized world–and during the golden age of lime in the 19th century and up to modern times–lime paints and plasters have proven themselves as extremely durable and resilient.
We invite you to a closer look into the History of Lime.
Lime is arguably the world's first true GreenBuild material. And one of the purest forms of lime–bioLime–is available today.
