There are a few principles that are balanced to specify a type of lime mortar, there isn't always a single correct answer. The British Standard BS 812-2:1995, Testing aggregates describes the methods to determine voids and other properties of the sand such as water absorption, particle density and bulk density. Rangpur lime ( Citrus limonia): This species is also known as the mandarin lime as it has a green rind but orange flesh.

It carbonates very slowly but this leaves it vulnerable to frost damage in cold conditions, it is not suited to damp conditions where it may not carbonate at all. Fine aggregate, or sand, is available in a multitude of grades and colours and should comply with the BS EN 13139, Aggregates for mortar standard. They have specialist experience and first-hand knowledge of the project, it's their decision that counts.

Product overview

Key lime or Mexican lime ( Citrus x aurantiifolia): The Latin name Citrus x aurantiifolia means ” golden leaf citrus”; the fruit is slightly smaller and contains many seeds; this lime tree is strongly branched and not quite as large as the Persian lime. Lime mortar that is applied to cover internal walls and ceilings is generally called "lime plaster". Despite their smaller size, limes usually contain more juice and are also a little zestier in taste than lemons. Due to their high juice content, limes are also more often used for making juice and syrup than lemons. In terms of nutrients, the two fruits have roughly the same amount of vitamin C, while lemons contain roughly twice as much potassium. In comparison to lemons, most lime varieties are much more sensitive to cold and have a shorter shelf life. Lime trees grow differently depending on the species. The most commonly cultivated lime, the Persian lime, is an evergreen, as is the key lime. However, in our part of the world, where it is often darker and colder, these lime trees have no other choice but to go dormant to conserve resources. This can cause leaf discolouration and even leaf loss.

Traditional lime can be grouped into two broad categories; air lime (non-hydraulic limes, those that set when exposed to air) and water lime (hydraulic limes, those that rely moisture/water to aid setting). It is often used by schools, colleges and training centres to produce a mortar (containing sand and hydrated lime) that does not set and can be reused again and again. Estimates for non-hydraulic and hot-mixed lime mortar assume warm, dry weather and may be significantly longer. Besides the Persian lime, there are many other types of limes. Here is an overview of the different lime species:A churn brush is generally very stiff, it is more likely to over compact the joint and remove excess particles from a mortar that was recently placed. Lime mortars are subject to the same temperature limitations as cement mortars and should not be applied in temperatures approach freezing. Palestine sweet lime ( Citrus limettioides): Robust and easy to care for, similar to the Persian lime. Note: A standard drum type cement mixer with a drop action is not suitable for mixing a lime putty. The material is available as a wet, pre-mixed mortar with a shelf life that is practically indefinite if stored correctly.