Non-hydraulic lime
England in 2008, defines non-hydraulic lime (or putty lime) as: ‘Lime which will not set by chemical reaction with water but requires exposure to carbon dioxide in the air in order to harden. Unlike hydraulic limes (see Hydraulic lime), it is derived from pure limestone. It is commercially available in powder (hydrated) or putty form.’
Short Guide, Lime Mortars in Traditional Buildings, published on 1 March 2013 by Historic Scotland, defines putty lime as a: ‘Hydrated lime binder that has been slaked with an excess of water forming a wet paste that can be left to mature over time.’
Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) definition online Glossary defines lime putty as: 'Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) formed as a paste when a non-hydraulic or weak (NHL 2) hydraulic lime is slaked in an excess of water and the milky suspension is allowed to settle. Can also be made by mixing hydrated lime (the form widely available in builders' merchants) and water, although this gives a less workable mix with inferior plasticity and binding properties.'
See also: Hydraulic lime.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Combating burnout.
The 5 elements of seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke.
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.