The range includes pre-mixed renders and plasters, which are suitable for traditional hand or modern machine application, and EN 459-1 compliant SMET NHL 2, SMET NHL 3.5 and SMET NHL 5 Natural Hydraulic Lime binders, which are particularly suitable for conservation, repair and sustainable new builds.
Suitable for the production of lime mortars, renders and plaster, the CE marked NHL binders can be sourced from any Haldane Fisher branch, closely supported with detailed technical advice and aftercare by Newry-based Smet Building Products Ltd. The range of binders includes –
– SMET NHL 2 is a high quality, pure natural hydraulic lime binder, produced under an ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 14001:2004 quality system to EN 459-1. The feeble hydraulic strength development of NHL 2 makes it ideal for producing lime mortars for masonry work, rendering, plastering base coats and finish coats. These lime mortars are ideally suited for interior and exterior use on weak structures, particularly ecological new build, restoration and preservation works. The mortar’s special composition allows the mortar product to breathe and also permits constant hygrometric exchange between the substrate and the environment.
– SMET NHL 3.5 is a high quality, pure natural hydraulic lime binder, produced under an ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 14001:2004 quality system to EN 459-1. The moderate hydraulic strength development of NHL 3.5 makes it suitable for producing lime mortars for masonry work, rendering, plastering base coats and limecrete. Its special composition allows the mortar product to breathe and also permits constant hygrometric exchange between the substrate and the environment. A moderately hydraulic lime binder for the production of mortars, it’s a clear choice for ecological new build, restoration and preservation works.
– SMET NHL 5 is a high quality, pure natural hydraulic lime binder, produced under an ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 14001:2004 quality system to EN 459-1. The eminent hydraulic strength development of NHL 5 makes it preferable for producing lime mortars for masonry work, rendering, plastering base coats and limecrete in extreme weather environments and exposed areas. Its special composition allows the mortar product to breathe and also permits constant hygrometric exchange between the substrate and the environment. An eminently hydraulic lime binder for the production of mortars, it’s particularly suited for ecological new build, restoration and preservation works in extreme weather environments and exposed areas.
Whether the job is restoration, conservation, preservation or an ecological new build, the advantages of using NHL-based mortars over cement-based mortars are apparent from decades of experience and research. To begin with, the manufacture of limes or Natural Hydraulic Limes (NHLs) consumes less energy and produces less greenhouse gases than that of Portland cement per unit weight.*
Lime-based mortars also offer a range of advantages from a design perspective. Walls have improved ‘breathability’ to water and water vapour, which reduces the likelihood of frost failure of the unit materials and improves the internal living environment.
Walls built with lime-based mortars have more tolerance to movement caused by thermal and moisture action, while movement within masonry walls built with lime-based mortars can be accommodated in the individual bed joints between the masonry units, reducing the need for vertical movement joints. Finally, lime-based mortars are capable of self-healing microscopic cracks by plastic flow and diffusion and are less susceptible to sulphate attack, providing all-round consistently high quality results.
The SMET Professional range of quality NHL-based mortars is backed up with the expertise of a technical advisor. At SMET, the company is site focused, providing customers with industry specialists who will provide training and support as well as demonstrate the professional NHL materials.
For more information on Smet Building Products Ltd telephone 028 3026 6833, e-mail info@smetbuildingproducts.com or visit www.smetbuildingproducts.com or www.smet.ie
*Source: nhbcfoundation.org based on De Vekey, 2005.
