Tips for Working With Lime in the Summer

Working in temperatures over 20°C can make working with lime more challenging. So if you plan on working with lime in the summer months, here are our top tips for tackling any challenges that may arise in hot weather.

Tip 1: Forecast and plan

Keep an eye on the forecast, and if temperatures climb to 30°C, plan your work for a cooler day. When working with lime managing moisture and drying time is essential, so consider areas you might be working in that have contact with direct sunlight or drying winds. Further, avoid working during the hottest part of the day; instead, schedule your work for the early morning or late afternoon.

Tip 2: Don’t rush it

Moving on too quickly between coats might be tempting to beat the heat, but take your time and ensure each layer achieves a sufficient set before applying additional coats. Applying coats too quickly can result in stress cracking due to differential drying between layers. Browse our range of lime mortars and renders.

Tip 3: Protect your work with hessian

Hessian protects and cures lime mortars and renders, acting as a barrier between the freshly applied lime and the environment. Further, damp hessian assists in keeping the relative humidity high next to the wall to slow the water evaporation rate from within the lime mortar or render. If this water evaporates too quickly, you can experience cracking, weak or friable mortar and shrinkage, among other things. View our range of hessian sheeting for your next project.

Tip 4: Maintain proper curing conditions

Once you have applied your lime mortar or render, providing optimal curing conditions is essential. With your hessian in place, keep an eye on your mortar or render and mist the material lightly with potable water if needed. Keep in mind not to oversaturate the material. We recommend keeping the render damp for a minimum of 5 to 7 days. Learn more about curing lime mortars or renders.

Tip 5: Don’t skip PPE

When the weather gets warmer, it can be tempting to neglect wearing PPE. However, since lime is alkaline, it’s essential to identify the appropriate protective equipment you need before starting work. Wearing protective clothing, gloves, and shoes that cover your skin is best practice, along with gear to shield your eyes and face. For information on safe practices with lime, check out Britishlime.org. Browse our range of PPE.

Tip 6: Utilise the expertise of manufacturers and contractors

If you need more clarification on planning or specifying projects during the summer, use the knowledge and valuable insights from manufacturers and contractors. The proper curing of lime mortars and renders is crucial for project success. Seek early advice to confidently plan, budget, and specify as necessary. Planning a project and need advice on lime mortars or renders? Get in touch with the team.

Remember that these tips are just a guide; always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and consult with experienced professionals for specific guidance on working with lime mortar and render for your project.

The information provided by Cornish Lime is for informational purposes only and does not amount to a specification. Every project is unique, so please consult a professional before undertaking a project. Use of this site and reliance on any information on the site is solely at your own risk.