Hessian Sheets & Rolls

Explore our range of Hessian, an essential part of the protection and curing process of lime mortars and renders. Hessian, sometimes called Burlap, is a coarse woven fabric made from the natural fibres of the jute plant. A robust material, hessian acts as a barrier between the freshly applied lime and the environment. Available by the roll or per metre.

Hessian fabric, sometimes referred to as burlap, is a strong, coarse, woven natural fabric made from the fibres of the jute plant, and is widely used across the construction industry. This durable hessian roll can withstand repeated wetting and drying without compromising its strength, which is why hessian is commonly used for the curing of concrete and for the protection and aftercare of lime mortar and lime-based renders. In traditional building work, hessian fabric is the primary material of choice for aftercare, offering a breathable layer that protects fresh mortar and render from direct sunlight, drying winds and frost.

Using hessian is a highly effective way to safeguard fresh lime mortars or renders because the open weave fabric performs several roles at once. During the colder months it acts as a frost blanket, shielding the mortar from freezing temperatures and wind, while in warmer weather the hessian fabric can be wetted down to create a humid, breathable cover next to the masonry, reducing the risk of rapid drying, shrinkage and cracking in the lime mortar. Additionally, when draped over the work, a hessian roll functions as a windbreak that limits wind‑induced drying and helps maintain more even curing conditions across the surface.

Hessian rolls are categorised by their weight, expressed as gsm (grammes per square metre), with a lower gsm indicating a lighter, more open weave fabric and a higher gsm giving a denser, thicker material. We stock three grades of hessian fabric for lime mortar protection – 200gsm, 270gsm and 366gsm. So you can select the most suitable material for summer work, general all‑round use or winter working. Rolls are typically supplied at either 1.37 m or 1.83 m wide, with standard lengths of up to 50 m, and you can also order hessian by the metre cut from the roll for smaller projects or details. When ordering hessian by the metre, the hessian fabric is provided as a single continuous length, making it easy to cover elevations, scaffold lifts and larger areas with minimal joints.

200gsm hessian fabric

200gsm hessian fabric is a lower weight, more open weave material that is ideal for summer work or warmer weather conditions where a lighter but still breathable covering is required. This hessian roll is available as a 1.37 m x 46 m roll, a 1.83 m x 50 m roll, or cut per metre, giving flexibility for different jobs and access conditions on site.

270gsm hessian fabric

270gsm hessian fabric is a medium‑weight, good all‑round hessian, suitable for most lime mortar and render applications where reliable protection is needed during curing. It is available as a 1.37 m x 50 m roll, a 1.83 m x 50 m roll, or per metre, and is an excellent choice where you want a balance between robust protection, coarse texture and ease of handling.

366gsm hessian fabric

366gsm hessian fabric is a heavier and thicker weave that provides robust protection from adverse cold weather conditions, including wind chill and frost, making it ideal for winter working and exposed sites. This hessian roll is supplied as a 1.83 m x 50 m roll or per metre and is particularly suited where cold, wind and the risk of frost are critical factors during lime mortar curing, subject to current stock availability.