Cement & Lime

Cement and lime are fundamental components in construction, serving as key ingredients in various types of mortar used as binding materials. These materials play crucial roles in the structural integrity and longevity of buildings.

What is cement?

Cement is a fine powder that is used as a binding agent and is usually mixed with an aggregate such as sand or gravel to create a mortar, concrete, render, or screed. At Howarth Timber & Building Supplies, we have a wide variety of cement options available from top quality brands including Hanson cement, Everbuild, Sika, Rugby, Siniat, Febflor, and Bostik.

Is cement waterproof?

Cement itself is not waterproof. It reacts with water to generate a cement paste that binds aggregates in building mixtures such as concrete, mortar, and plaster. However, you can add admixtures or additives with water-resistant attributes to make the final mix water-resistant when it hardens.

Types of cement and lime

Multicem

Multicem is a general-purpose cement with a long shelf-life. Its benefits include good workability and when hardened it has a good resilience to frost.

PostFix

Postfix cement is a long-term solution for securing concrete posts into the ground, there are various types available including those that offer rapid setting times.

Trowel Mastic

Trowel Mastic is a multi-purpose mastic used for waterproofing, pointing, sealing, and bedding. It is best applied using a trowel.

Plasterer’s Stabilising Primer

Plasterer’s Stabilising Primer is applied to internal surfaces in preparation for new plaster to be applied. It is suitable for use priming new walls, as well as areas that have been plastered previously.

Rapid Set Cement

Rapid Set cement is ideal for situations where you need a quick fix or to make an area waterproof as quickly as possible.

Fire Cement

Fire Cement is designed for commercial and domestic use in areas that will be exposed to high temperatures including flue pipes, boilers, and fire bricks.

Sand and Cement Mix

Sand and Cement Mix is pre-mixed to save you time. Ready mixed cement products are already prepared before packing, you do not need to measure out separate sand and cement products, simply add water and follow application guidance.

Hydrated Lime

Hydrated Lime cement is added to cement for use in external applications. The key benefits to doing this is that the lime increases the water retention, flexibility, and cohesion of cement mortars or renders.

Macadam

Macadam is a cold lay asphalt used to repair driveways and paths, it is easy to lay for a quick temporary repair to damaged domestic driveways or paths (including potholes).

Self-Levelling Compound

Self-levelling Compound (also known as screed or flooring compound) is used to level out uneven surfaces in preparation for flooring applications. Self-levelling compound is quick and easy to apply and set.

Concrete Hardener & Dustproofer

Concrete Hardener and Dustproofer can be applied to new or existing concrete applications, internally or externally to harden, dustproof, and seal the surface. It works by a chemical reaction with the lime in concrete which causes the formation of a hardwearing surface. Once applied it also helps to prevent bloom.

Lime Mortar

Lime based mortar mix is a binding material made up of lime, water, and aggregate. Lime mortar is more porous than cement mortar and its main benefit is its ability to wick any moisture to the surface of the mortar mix, allowing it to evaporate therefore reducing dampness.

Lime Mortar Mix

Lime Mortar Mix has the same benefits as lime mortar with the additional advantage of being ready mixed for you, therefore saving time. Ready mixed lime mortar is suitable for building, rendering, and pointing.

For advice and guidance on choosing the right cement and lime for your next project, contact our friendly team at your local branch.