Hot Limes in Building

Event details

Hot Limes in Building

12 November 2021
Conservation Skills Centre, Coleshill Home Farm (National Trust), Coleshil, near Swindon, SN6 7PT
£150 pp    FULLY BOOKED
This event is currently full. Please join the waiting list and you will be notified if spaces become available.

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

Introduction to Lime and Hot Limes in Building course package*: 
The content of the Hot Limes in Building course extends and builds on the content of the Introduction to Lime course taking place the previous day. For participants wishing to attend both courses, they can be booked together as a package for the special price of £270 pp.

*This package option is now fully booked and closed. 

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): 
The course will take place in a workshop. 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 the SPAB before booking to discuss any special access requirements.

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. 

Traditional Building Materials and Skills Courses at Coleshill
This course is part of an exciting new series of practical courses offered by the SPAB in association with the National Trust and held at its training centre on the beautiful Coleshill estate in Oxfordshire.  Focusing on traditional skills and materials, particularly lime, and delivered by expert tutors, these courses combine introductory talks with demonstrations and hands-on skills teaching.  With small group sizes and a practical focus, there’s plenty of time for questions and discussion with tutors and fellow participants, and opportunity to try, develop or extend craft and building skills in a workshop setting.   

Other courses in this series include:
An Introduction to Lime Plastering, 8 - 9 October 2021
An Introduction to Letter Cutting in Stone, 22 - 24 October 2021
An Introduction to Lime in Building, 11 November 2021

COVID-19 Health and Safety Measures: Government COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted in England, but we recommend that all delegates bring and wear their own mask during the workshop. Hand washing stations and hand sanitiser will be available. If you have any symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19) - a new, continuous cough; high temperature; a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste - or have been in close contact with someone who has symptoms of the virus, we ask that you inform us immediately and do not attend the workshop. Our measures are subject to change in accordance with Government guidelines. 

Booking Terms & Conditions