Lime or cement render on a period reproduction house?

[49kylebrook]

I am currently building a regency reproduction house in Ireland.

I am now confused as to whether or not to use lime render on the exterior. People tell me that if I am going to paint it, there will be no difference in appearance, and there is no need for the breathing qualities of lime given that it is a concrete block construction.
I have used reclaimed bangor blues for the roof and timber sliding sash windows.

So is it a waste of money doing a lime render or will it give an older appearance? Any help greatly appreciated.

 

[MdB]

Lime is about 40% better for the environment due to the less energy it takes to produce it. Otherwise I don't see any great advantage in using it (and some disadvantages). Cost should be similar if you mix it yourself from hydrate. Appearence will be the same. The big advantage with lime is if you are building with no foundations and lime mortar. The lime will allow the building to move without producing large cracks the way cement would as it is able to self heal to a certain extent. If you are building to current building regs then this isn't an issue.

(I'm using a cement render on block when we rebuild half my house so I to would be interested in other peoples comments on this. All the old stuff is going to be strictly lime though.)

((hmm... mentioned the "c" word twice in this post. Bound to get in trouble for that))

 

[Nemesis]

Us hydraulic lime is my view.

Better for the environment!

 

[MdB]

Us hydraulic lime is my view.

Hydraulic? I though Hydrate was normally used for plasterwork. Am I wrong?

 

[MDE]

I know of someone with cement render on a concrete block house with foundations and it still cracked. Lime should be less susceptible to cracking. I've used weak hydraulic lime on a concrete block boiler house and it went on fine. You pays your money and you makes your choice.

 

[Nemesis]

Hydrate should be fine, that's non-hydraulic, but instead of cement in these circumstances hydraulic is better if rapid set and not as breathable is required.

Lime is so much more eco-friendly whatever!!

 

[49kylebrook]

Thank you all for your excelelnt replies. But will they look any different?