kalkkilaastista

Kalkkilaasti is a traditional building material primarily composed of lime and sand. Historically, it has been used as a binder in mortar and plaster due to lime's natural binding properties and its ability to allow the structure to breathe. The production of kalkkilaasti involves slaking lime, a process where quicklime is reacted with water to produce calcium hydroxide, which is then mixed with sand and often water to achieve the desired consistency.

The key characteristic of kalkkilaasti is its breathability, meaning it allows moisture vapor to pass through, which is beneficial for maintaining a healthy indoor environment and preventing moisture damage in buildings. It also offers a degree of flexibility, which can be advantageous in older structures. While modern construction often favors cement-based materials for their faster setting times and higher strength, kalkkilaasti remains a valuable choice for restoration projects of historical buildings and in sustainable building practices. Its production is generally considered more environmentally friendly than that of Portland cement, as it requires less energy and releases fewer greenhouse gases. The application of kalkkilaasti requires specific techniques due to its slower setting time and different working properties compared to cementitious materials.