Lime putty or hydraulic lime render to repair hole?

[thunder2k4]

Hi,

I'm looking for some advice on a DIY fix!

A few weeks ago our chimney breast was re-rendered with hydraulic lime (having stripped off cement render causing damp issues!). All was well and good until my brother-in-law decided to drive his car into the fresh render this weekend, gouging out a large-ish hole (see pic attached).

Rather than paying our builder to come out and fix it I am hoping to patch it up myself. Can I get away with filling the hole with lime putty or am I going to need to use hydraulic lime render finish? I have zero experience with mixing so I'm hoping I can get away with lime putty rather than having to mix up my own render!

Any tips would be appreciated.

Cheers,

Craig

 

[noj]

Whatever you use, it'll need to be a 'proper' mortar mix with aggregate for that depth - so if you've got putty (rather than a pre mixed mortar) you'll still need to make the mix.

At this time of year it may be better to use hydraulic (and it'll still need plenty of frost protection) - or maybe leave it until the spring - not sure where you are in the country?

 

[Zebra]

You could give it a go with mortar made from putty, worst that can happen is it falls out. At that depth I'd do it in a couple of "coats," scoring each one as you go to create a key. Although really I agree with noj, might be best in hydraulic.

 

[Flyfisher]

I suppose it would be heresy to suggest something like exterior Polyfilla?

Seriously though, it looks like a relatively tiny 'dent' and almost anything could be used without compromising the nature of the overall render.

As for a 'key', a couple of stainless screws should do the trick, or even nails if the underlying wall is soft enough.

 

[thunder2k4]

Thanks everyone - I'm going to give some of the ready mixed hydraulic lime a go and see if I can make it stick!