Derived from limestone with unique properties in Europe, Saint-Astier® natural hydraulic limes have exceptional mineralogical qualities that have remained unchanged since the beginning of the underground quarry’s exploitation.
No additives are added during the manufacturing process of Saint-Astier® pure natural limes.
Saint-Astier® limes are both hydraulic (setting in contact with water) and aerial (hardening in contact with air).
The range of Saint-Astier® pure natural hydraulic limes allows choosing the most appropriate lime for work without adding cement, plasticizer, water retainer, waterproofing agent, etc.
The extended range of Saint-Astier® limes, with guaranteed characteristics, offers the best compatibility of mortars with existing supports, regardless of their age.
Free lime gives natural lime-based mortar its flexibility and self-healing capacity.
Construction and plastering mortar, grout, injection, lime concrete, mixing with hemp or flax, and paint are possible with Saint-Astier® pure natural hydraulic limes.
The good water vapor permeability performance of Saint-Astier® limes allows internal and external hydraulic exchanges, thus reducing mold and improving air quality and ambient comfort.
The absence of any additional compounds, such as plaster or cement, makes expansion due to sulfates and alkali-silica reaction impossible. Salts found in existing construction can migrate and possibly be eliminated. Saint-Astier® limes have excellent performance in marine environments.
Unlike cement or bastard mixes of cement/air lime, the compressive strengths of pure natural hydraulic limes increase slowly, thus limiting cracking.
The hydraulic setting of Saint-Astier® natural hydraulic limes allows for a shorter time of weather protection than with the carbonation of air lime alone.
Saint-Astier® limes are excellent for reducing shrinkage and cracking.
The high persistence of the binder’s alkalinity inhibits mold development.
The whiteness of Saint-Astier® natural hydraulic lime mortars respects the color of the sand used.
All mortars made on-site with Saint-Astier® NHL lime can be reworked, thus reducing waste and increasing work capacity. This is a direct consequence of the absence of cement, plaster, or aluminate.
Everything built with Saint-Astier® natural hydraulic lime mortars can be recycled.
The CO2 from decarbonation emitted during manufacturing is reabsorbed by the carbonation of the lime.
