Plaster and concrete are great building materials, but there are some differences between them. The exterior type doesn’t need waterproofing, while the interior type is sensitive to moisture and humidity. When it comes to waterproofing interior cement plaster, you can use a product such as Golmex, a high-quality Portland cement. It will give the surface a polished concrete finish.
Lime plaster
Lime plasters differ from modern plasters in that they set slowly, absorbing carbon dioxide, and then shrinking as they dry. Two types of lime are available – white/fat limes and hydraulic limes. White/fat limes have been in use for centuries and are more breathable than hydraulic limes, but they are not as flexible. Hydraulic limes are generally not used for internal use.
White lime mixed with white sand produces a bright, warm plaster. It’s less expensive than lime-lime plaster, and can be applied with a single coat. It can be recycled. It also has less of an impact on the environment than concrete, which is another plus.
Aerodurit(r) KP2060 is an aerodurit(r) microporous lime plaster that does not use cement. It has a fine microporous structure and a small amount of natural cellulose. This plaster can be applied using standard plastering machines. Because it’s breathable, it provides excellent adhesion. It is also quick to harden.
Lime plasters have many benefits. They are highly durable and are highly permeable, allowing for both moisture and evaporation. The high pH of lime prevents fungus and mold growth. And unlike cement, lime plasters do not require expansion joints. A major drawback is that lime plasters are becoming increasingly difficult to find qualified plasterers in the United States.
Lime plaster is an environmentally friendly alternative to cement. Aside from being more environmentally friendly, it also has antimicrobial properties, making it an excellent choice for plastering. It also provides protection from moisture, reducing condensation problems. Lime plaster is also resistant to mould, which is a real plus for people with respiratory problems.
Ancient Romans and Mesoamerican civilizations used hydraulic lime to make hard concrete and plaster. It was also used by the Aztec Empire for paving streets and coating floors and walls. Those civilizations used lime plaster as an alternative to cement stucco, allowing for the creation of sustainable buildings with the least environmental impact.
Lime plaster is a greener choice than cement plaster because its pores are filled with air. This makes it ideal for exterior plastering because it is more durable and does not require expansion joints. Another advantage of lime plaster is its flexibility. Because lime is much harder than clay, it can be used on any surface, including exterior walls.
Hydraulic lime plaster is much less brittle than cement plaster. It does not need expansion joints, and it does not detach from the wall when under shear stress. It protects softer materials from shear stresses, which can damage the surface beneath. Lime plaster is also more resistant to water, and it will not dissolve like drywall.
Concrete masonry walls
The application of plaster and cement is an excellent way to preserve the exterior appearance of a concrete masonry wall. It has a wide range of applications, including interior wall finishes in residential buildings and exterior architectural treatment for buildings of all kinds. It is a versatile material that can be applied by hand or by machine, and is easily cured. A new plastered wall can be coated with two or three coats.
A major drawback of masonry walls is their inherent weak performance when exposed to lateral forces, particularly in earthquakes. These walls are often weakened and shake horizontally during a tremor, which leads to many collapses. Therefore, concrete masonry walls should be reinforced to increase their ability to resist seismic loading. The thickness of a plastered masonry wall is approximately 1 inch to 1.5 inches higher than the stated thickness in an architectural drawing.
Concrete masonry walls can be built in a variety of styles. Some are freestanding landscape walls, while others are used to construct a building’s foundation. Regardless of style, the first step in constructing a wall is laying the foundation. Then, using a level and masonry string, determine a rectangular outline of the foundation or the entire structure.
Concrete masonry walls are typically constructed from precast concrete blocks. This material has a variety of advantages over cinder blocks. They require less maintenance and are quicker to construct. In addition, they are more durable than cinder blocks. Concrete masonry blocks can be purchased in different sizes, including half-size units, which allow for accurate corner construction. The density of the concrete used to make the blocks determines how heavy the wall will be.
Concrete masonry walls can be made waterproof by using integral water repellents. When installed properly, concrete masonry walls function similarly to a cavity wall. Water will drain from the interior to the exterior through the cores of the units. To prevent leakage, flashings must be installed at the base and head of all openings.
When plaster is applied to concrete masonry surfaces, it should be applied in two or three coats. A base coat is applied first. Next, a finish coat is applied. The finish coat covers the entire surface. The final coat must be applied with sufficient force to ensure proper adhesion. It is important to note that excessive troweling can break the bond between the masonry and plaster.
Concrete masonry units have many advantages. They are more durable than brick walls and are relatively easy to install. They are strong and fire-resistant. They can also be used in exterior walls and partition walls. CMU walls are the best choice for harsh environments. However, they are not very water resistant. Concrete masonry blocks must be treated with an additional coat to be water-resistant. It is important to complete the building layout before constructing concrete masonry walls.
Concrete masonry walls can be reinforced with plaster or gypsum wallboard on the non-fire side. The thickness of the finish should not be less than ninety percent of the concrete’s actual thickness.
Finish coats for plaster & concrete
Finish coats are the final coats applied to concrete or plaster. They are also known as skim coats and white coats. They are usually made from plaster, though they can also include sand and lime. There are various ways to apply these finish coats, and it is important to allow previous layers to dry thoroughly before applying the finish coat. Otherwise, the finish coat may crack or chip off.
For a uniform finish coat, cement and sand must be properly graded. Aggregates used in plaster should meet ASTM C897, the standard specification for job-mixed Portland cement plaster. Table 1 provides recommendations for gradation. Using a test panel to determine aggregates’ size and shape is recommended. This will make application easier.
Portland cement-based plaster is used for many applications, including exterior and interior wall finish in residential structures. It is also used as an architectural treatment for buildings of all types. It is a workable substance and can be applied by hand or by machine. It is generally applied in two or three coats, with two coats being common for newly constructed concrete masonry.
Once the base coats have been applied, finish coats can be applied. The base coat is often moist-cured before the finish coat is applied. The final coat should be applied with enough material and sufficient pressure to bond to the brown coat. It should also be thick enough to conceal the brown coat.
When applying the finishing coat, it is important to thoroughly wet the surface before applying the plaster. This will help it adhere to the base coat and ensure a complete cure. If applied correctly, finish coats should last for several years. Washing the surface regularly will keep the plaster looking fresh and attractive. If you notice any cracks or chips, patching the area with a premixed mortar will provide the same texture as the rest of the surface.
When applied to concrete or plaster, finish coats are usually applied on top of the base coats. The finish coat should cover the entire wall surface. The thickness of the final plaster coat should be at least 20 or 25 mm. However, it is important to note that these thicknesses should not be more than a quarter of the base coat’s thickness.
There are many different types of plaster finishes. Each one offers different appearances. Some give a smooth and polished finish while others are more rough. You should choose the type that suits your needs best. And remember to always mix cement and sand in the right proportions. This ensures an excellent bond between the two.
Finish coats for plaster and concrete can be applied in a variety of ways. Stucco, for example, is a common type of exterior finish coat. It is usually made from a mixture of cement, sand, lime, and water. It allows for different textures and colors and can be painted after curing. If not painted, the surface is usually a gray color, but pigments can be mixed in for a colorful finish.
