Call Us: 01189 469 148 | Email Us: info@quatradirect.co.uk
Call Us: 01189 469 148 | Email Us: info@quatradirect.co.uk
Mould build-up is a common problem that many homeowners face. It can cause health problems such as allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues. While there are various ways to prevent mould build-up, using lime mortar is a natural and effective solution. In this blog, we will discuss how using lime mortar can help you avoid mould build-up in your home.
Mould is a type of fungus that grows in moist environments. It can be found indoors and outdoors, and it thrives in warm and humid conditions. Mould reproduces by releasing tiny spores into the air, which can land on surfaces and grow into new colonies.
Mould can appear in a variety of colours, including black, white, green, and yellow. It often has a fuzzy or slimy texture, and it can give off a musty odour. Also, mould can grow on a variety of surfaces, including walls, ceilings, floors, and fabrics.
Mould can have negative effects on human health, especially for people who are allergic to mould or who have respiratory problems. Exposure to mould can cause symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and skin rashes. In some cases, exposure to mould can also cause more serious health problems, such as asthma and lung infections.
If mould is present, it should be cleaned up promptly and the source of the moisture should be addressed to prevent further growth.
Preventing mould growth is important for maintaining a healthy indoor environment. This can be achieved by controlling moisture levels in the home, using ventilation systems, promptly repairing any leaks or water damage and opting for lime mortar when building or repairing a home.
Here are a few ways lime mortar can prevent mould growth:
Lime mortar is an excellent material for preventing mould growth because it has several properties that make it resistant to mould. Firstly, lime mortar has a high pH level, which makes it alkaline. This alkalinity helps to prevent mould growth because most moulds prefer a neutral or slightly acidic environment. By making the surface of the lime mortar alkaline, it becomes less hospitable for mould to grow.
When water is added to lime, it creates a chemical reaction called hydration, which releases calcium hydroxide. Calcium hydroxide is highly alkaline and has a pH level of around 12 to 13. This high pH level is what gives lime mortar its unique properties, including its ability to resist fungal and bacterial growth, as well as its ability to harden and cure over time.
The term “porous” refers to something that has small holes or spaces in it, which allow liquids or gases to pass through. In other words, a porous material has a structure that allows substances to move through it, rather than blocking or resisting them.
Lime mortar is porous, which means it allows water vapour to pass through and out of the home. Once the humidity drops, the moisture will evaporate from the surface quickly. When moisture is allowed to evaporate, it prevents mould growth, as mould requires a damp and humid environment to grow.
Lime mortar is breathable, which means it allows air to circulate through the surface. This helps to prevent mould growth by reducing the level of humidity in the surrounding environment. When air can circulate freely, it reduces the likelihood of mould growth.
The reason lime mortar is breathable is because it is a porous material. When lime is used as a binder in mortar, it creates a porous matrix that allows moisture and air to move through it. This porosity is due to the chemical reaction that occurs when lime is mixed with water and carbon dioxide in the air.
The chemical reaction, known as carbonation, causes the lime to harden and form calcium carbonate crystals. These crystals form a porous structure that allows moisture and air to pass through it. As a result, lime mortar is able to absorb and release moisture and maintain a stable level of humidity, which helps to prevent the growth of mould and other moisture-related problems.
The breathability of lime mortar is also important in historic and traditional buildings because it allows the walls to “breathe” and maintain their natural moisture balance. Lime mortar is able to absorb and release moisture as the temperature and humidity levels change, which helps to prevent moisture-related damage to the building structure.
Overall, the breathability of lime mortar is a key benefit that makes it a popular choice for construction and restoration projects, especially in damp or humid environments.
Lime mortar has natural anti-fungal properties, which means it can kill or inhibit the growth of mould. This is due to the presence of calcium hydroxide in the lime, which has antimicrobial properties.
In summary, lime mortar is an excellent material for preventing mould growth due to its alkalinity, porosity, breathability, and anti-fungal properties. It is a great choice for buildings or structures in damp or humid environments where mould growth is a concern.
Lime is an ideal material for mortar, and it has many advantages over cement. It is a natural product that can be used in the design and construction of buildings to create long-lasting structures. It also has antibacterial properties that help prevent mould growth. Lime mortar is an ideal choice for damp or humid environments, where mould can be a problem. This material is highly breathable, allowing water vapour to escape from the walls of a building while preventing it from getting trapped inside. The porosity of lime mortar means that it allows air to circulate through it, which also helps prevent mould growth.
