lime

[middlehart]

What is the best outlet for lime in France ?? I'm in Indre 36. Got some repair jobs. The stuff I used in England was French made. I've heard its much cheaper in France

[shezzaar]

Hello and welcome to the forum middlehart,
In the shops you will be looking for Chaux, which is lime. I think you may be able to get ready mixed lime, in which you just add water, but im not 100%.

As for shops, doing a little search leroy merlin have lime and so does brico depot, and I believe they both have shops in Chatauroux. There may be other little shops that could be in a nearer place to you, depending on how far you are to chatauroux.

[middlehart]

Thanks shezzaar,
Ill pop into LeRoy in a few days and have a look,
I dont suppose that anyone knows the mix for a lime render if they dont have the ready mix boxes available?

[shezzaar]

one part of lime to two-and-a-half or three parts of sand, i found that on this website, that has alot of other helpful tips on rendering www.periodproperty.co.uk/shop/acatalog/plastering_with_lime.html

[middlehart]

Thanks shezzaar

[riquet]

St Astier is the largest french manufacturer of lime and associated products. Their website has some interesting support notes.

www.c-e-s-a.fr/

[shezzaar]

Thanks for the link Riquet, im sure it will help out middlehart
And eventually when I get round to doing mine, so have bookmarked it

Thanks
Shezzaar

[robertarthur]

Although this thread is cemented together with lime issues, sooner or later someone will step forward and ask: what's wrong with adding cement?

The easy answer is: read this article in English, about the dangers and destructive capabilties of cement based mortars and renders for historical buildings, or this info from Scotland. There is a growing awareness of these problems, also in France. National and regional authorities do their best to preserve the beloved patrimoine française, publishing much information.

For those who are not fluent in French this is a more difficult answer, but it explains in a few words the differences between the chaux aeriennes and chaux hydrauliques naturelles. Even more difficult: an nice article published ten years ago by the Dutch authorities explaining the dangers of cement, and the timeline of the fabrication and use of lime based mortars, starting in medieval times. Forget the language and let the pictures tell the story.

Time for something simple: all producers have their own recipes, and you'll find their advices for the mise en oeuvre in print, no glasses or internet connection needed. But wear safety glasses and rubber gloves. RA

[shezzaar]

Yes thanks for adding that Robert, to answer anyones questions, cement based morter is very bad as it doesnt allow the building to breath. Thats my gist of it. Your links are very helpful, Thankyou.

[robertarthur]

The French links I included several years ago in an answer on another forum are still there. It looks like the original articles have been transported to another website, so the header info is a bit fragmented. But the content is undamaged (browser: Chrome).  A few lime recipes for the inside of your French house and step-by-step instructions: rejointoyer (pointing) and how to réaliser un enduit (plastering). RA