Hot Limes in Building

Hot Limes in Building

16 September 2022
09:15 - 17:00
Heritage Skills Centre, Coleshill Home Farm (National Trust), Coleshil, near Swindon, SN6 7PT
£165 per person  

"The course content was revelatory. I knew a little about hot lime mortars and had a small amount of practical experience but the information supplied answered all my questions. It pretty much turned my lime world upside down and as a consequence I have changed my working practise" - 2021 course delegate

This one-day course, led by expert tutor Nigel Copsey, is ideal for anyone with basic knowledge of lime and who wants to explore the use of hot mixes in more detail. Through a combination of illustrated talks, video and demonstrations, it will provide insight into hot limes and their use.

After many years producing lime mortars by first slaking putty, then mixing with sand, it is now widely accepted that mortars were traditionally mixed ‘hot’. This means slaking the sand alongside the quicklime in a single operation. Course tutor Nigel Copsey has spent years researching the methods used for making mortars, and has many years of site based experience using hot lime mortars in the repair of historic buildings.   

The day will be a mixture of illustrated talks and demonstrations, covering slaking methods, different mixing methods, application and aftercare. Nigel will also explain the essential properties of hot lime mortars and explore the reasons for their superior performance in terms of shrinkage, durability and frost resistance.  

This intermediate course is especially relevant for builders already working with lime and looking to extend their knowledge and use of hot mixes, and to specifiers wishing to develop or enhance their understanding of hot lime and its applications. It will also appeal to anyone carrying out practical building projects who is familiar with lime but interested in learning more about hot mixes. It provides up to date information on our understanding of traditional mortars, as well as detailed practical instruction and is therefore essential for anyone working in the field. It assumes a little background knowledge of lime, and anyone completely new to the subject is recommended to attend the Introduction to Lime in Building course, taking place the day before. There will be ample opportunity to ask questions and discuss issues during both courses.     

The SPAB is an IHBC recognised CPD provider and attendance certificates for CPD are available on request.

Lunch and refreshments are provided. Accommodation is not included.

Introduction to Lime and Hot Limes in Building course package: 
The Introduction to Lime in Building course will also provide valuable background knowledge to anyone wishing to also attend the Hot Limes in Building course the following day. These courses can be booked together as a package for the special price of £295 per person. Book here.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): 
The course will take place in a workshop and outside. Delegates should wear suitable clothing and sturdy footwear. PPE (hi viz, goggles, gloves) and all tools and materials will be provided. Delegates are welcome to bring their own goggles and gloves if they wish. 

Accessibility:
Please contact us if there are any adaptations we can make that would make the course more accessible for you. We would be happy to have an informal chat about the course and possible access issues before you book.

Tutor:

Nigel Copsey - stonemason and building conservator
Starting out as a dry-stone waller in Cornwall, Nigel trained as stonemason and carver before working in the building conservation industry across the south and south-west of England and in the USA. Since 2001, he has worked as a building conservation consultant and practitioner in North Yorkshire. Nigel is a leading advocate for the use of traditional earth-lime and hot mixed lime mortars in historic building repair. 

Booking Terms & Conditions