Using hot-mix lime mortars in winter.

Learn how to use hot-mix mortars in challenging weather conditions, from appropriate mixes and their application, to post-application care.

A two-day workshop held at Knockelly.

Part I: Saturday 30th November 2024

Part II: Saturday 7th December 2024

The use of lime mortars is typically confided to drier months from late-Spring to Autumn to ensure curing. However, there is increasing pressure to apply lime in winter months and in challenging weather conditions, due to climate change, the need to spread workloads and ensure the protection of wildlife, such as bats. Certain natural ingredients or pozzalans, were traditionally added to mixes to enhance setting, prolonging the seasonal use of mortars, but knowledge of their use had largely been lost. This workshop will be delivered by the conservation expert Tom Pollard, drawing from his vast experience as a stonemason for over twenty years, including the works he undertook at Knockelly. Topics covered will include; an introduction to pozzalans and their historical use, understanding the science behind lime mortars and pozzalans, different mixes and their application, the health and safely aspects around lime and mortar post-application care. A practical demonstration will be provided on manufacturing pozzolans and mixing mortars, while attendees will have an opportunity to apply mortars to a section of wall under guidance.

Who this workshop is for: professional trades / craftspeople and those involved in conservation with a good working knowledge of using hot-mix lime mortars.

Who this workshop in not for: architects and engineers, or those who have limited knowledge of hot-mix lime mortars. We will soon offer courses specifically designed for architects end engineers, while we already offer a variety of workshops geared towards beginners. Please follow this website for information on upcoming events.

The workshops start at 9:30am with tea & coffee, and conclude at 5pm.

Tickets cost €450, with morning tea / coffee, lunch and all relevant materials provided.

Places are limited. Booking is essential.

If you wish to attend, please register your interest by completing the application form below.

To ensure an interactive, learning environment and to tailor the course for those attending, a maximum of 10 attendees will be permitted at each workshop.

All applicants will be contacted as soon as possible. Payment for this workshop will be taken in advance, once applications are confirmed.