Supporting Products for Lime & Conservation Work
A successful conservation or breathable-building project often requires more than the principal mortar, plaster, paint or insulation product.
Preparation materials, fixings, tools, reinforcement, cleaning products and specialist repair systems can all influence the quality and durability of the finished work.
The Associated Products collection brings these supporting materials together and directs you towards the appropriate specialist product range.
Helifix Crack Stitching
Structural cracks in masonry should be investigated before they are repaired cosmetically.
Helifix crack-stitching systems use stainless-steel reinforcement installed into selected bed joints to help stabilise cracked masonry where the system is appropriate to the defect and structural design.
Crack stitching is different from simply filling a visible crack with mortar.
The cause and significance of movement should be understood before selecting a repair method, particularly on historic or structurally sensitive buildings.
Tools
Roundtower stocks professional pointing, plastering, rendering, masonry and insulation tools for traditional building work.
The range includes finger trowels, small tools, plastering trowels, floats, hawks, brushes, sprayers, chisels and specialist insulation saws.
Choosing the correct tool can improve control and workmanship when compacting lime mortar, finishing plaster, applying render or cutting fibrous insulation.
Cleaners
Traditional masonry and mineral surfaces sometimes require specialist cleaning before repair or decoration.
Different contaminants require different approaches.
Biological growth, dirt, staining and previous coatings should not automatically be treated with the same product.
Always consider the stone, brick, render or plaster substrate before applying a cleaning system, particularly on historic masonry where aggressive cleaning can cause permanent surface damage.
Delta Membranes
Delta manufactures specialist membrane and water-management products used within selected below-ground, floor and building-envelope applications.
Membranes perform very different functions depending on the product, ranging from drainage and cavity management to water control and ground-related applications.
They should therefore be selected as part of a complete construction detail rather than treated as interchangeable waterproofing sheets.
Fixings & Insulation Accessories
Insulation systems often require specific mechanical fixings, washers, mesh and associated installation materials.
The correct fixing depends on the insulation type, substrate, required embedment depth and overall system specification.
Using appropriate accessories is particularly important with wood fibre, calcium silicate and other specialist insulation systems where the complete build-up should be considered together.
Reinforcement Mesh
Alkali-resistant reinforcement mesh is incorporated into selected lime plaster, render and insulation systems.
Mesh can help reinforce base coats and distribute stresses across areas such as insulation boards, changes in background material and localised junctions.
It should be embedded fully within the appropriate plaster or render coat rather than simply fixed onto the surface.
Hessian & Lime Curing
Fresh lime mortar, plaster and render require suitable curing conditions.
Hessian can help protect new lime work from direct sunlight, wind and excessive moisture loss and can be dampened where appropriate to help control drying.
Protection requirements vary according to the type of lime, weather and exposure.
Correct curing remains an important part of achieving durable lime work.
Pozzolans & Additives
Selected lime mortars can incorporate pozzolanic materials or fibres where a particular modification to the mortar is required.
Pozzolans can introduce additional hydraulic behaviour when used with suitable lime binders.
Fibres can perform reinforcing or crack-control functions within selected mixes.
Neither should be added automatically. Their use and dosage should respond to the particular mortar or floor specification.
Masonry Fixings & Repair Products
Traditional and existing buildings often require specialist fixing solutions where ordinary modern fixings are unsuitable or where localised structural repairs are needed.
The substrate, loading requirement and condition of the masonry should be considered before selecting a fixing or reinforcement product.
For significant structural defects, appropriate professional assessment should be obtained rather than treating a visible crack as a purely cosmetic problem.
Primers & Preparation Products
Primers, bonding products and substrate preparation materials perform different functions within plaster, paint and insulation systems.
Some regulate suction, some consolidate suitable backgrounds and others improve adhesion between specified system layers.
A primer should therefore be selected according to the substrate and finishing system, rather than being regarded as a universal preparation coat.
Choosing Compatible Products
One of the most important principles in traditional and breathable construction is to consider materials as part of a complete system.
A fixing, primer, mesh, coating or repair product can influence the behaviour of adjoining materials.
Before selecting an associated product, consider:
- the existing substrate;
- the principal material being installed;
- exposure and moisture conditions;
- the required finished performance; and
- the manufacturer's or project specification.
Frequently Asked Questions
What products are included in Associated Products?
The category includes supporting products for conservation and breathable construction such as tools, cleaners, masonry repair systems, membranes, fixings, mesh, additives and other installation accessories.
What is crack stitching?
Crack stitching is a masonry-repair technique in which reinforcement is installed across selected cracks to help stabilise the masonry.
Its suitability depends on the nature and cause of the cracking.
Do you sell tools for lime pointing?
Yes.
Roundtower stocks finger trowels, pointing and small tools, plastering tools, floats, hawks, brushes and other equipment used for lime mortar and plaster work.
Do you sell reinforcement mesh for lime plaster?
Yes.
Alkali-resistant reinforcement mesh is available for selected lime plaster, render and insulation systems.
Why is hessian used with lime?
Hessian can help protect fresh lime work from rapid drying caused by wind, sunlight and warm conditions.
It can also be dampened where appropriate to help maintain favourable curing conditions.
Do you sell insulation fixings?
Yes.
Roundtower stocks specialist fixings and accessories for selected wood fibre and other insulation systems.
Can I use any primer with lime or mineral paint?
No.
Primer selection depends on the substrate and the particular paint, plaster or insulation system being used.
Can Roundtower help identify the correct accessories?
Yes.
If you provide details of the substrate and the main system being installed, Roundtower can help identify suitable fixings, preparation materials, tools and associated products.
Need Help Completing Your Specification?
If you are unsure which fixings, mesh, tools, cleaners, membranes or other supporting products are required, contact Roundtower Lime with details of the proposed work.
Our technical team can help identify the additional materials required to complete the lime, insulation, masonry repair or breathable-building system.
