It is the hydraulic reaction that makes currently available lime mortars set faster and harder – this can, in many instances, cause the material to become too brittle and ‘cement-like’ over time.  Vivus Dry Lime materials sets far faster due to our manufacturing process, and contain no hydraulic element – meaning many of the existing issues experienced with hydraulic lime are removed. Our softer Vivus Lime mortars are closer in strength to many types of stone and brick and therefore do not exaggerate their decay as hydraulic cements mortars often do.  Lime putty has to be matured over time,  has slow drying times and is unable to be applied in extreme temperatures.  In most cases with Vivus materials, additional coats or finishes can be applied the following day, rate of  build is faster – this helps keep site costs down. Vivus materials are delivered as a ready to mix dry powder and does not produce heat or “hot lime” reducing  health and safety issues . Despite lime having  a somewhat unfair reputation, lime used in the Vivus way is now a simple material to work with.

It is commonly thought that Lime mortars allow walls to ‘breathe’. At Vivus Solutions we do not believe this is adequate, in fact we require moisture movement in one direction only. Moisture should evaporate as rapidly as it enters, whereas most modern mortars increase moisture level including many modern Lime mortars. Vivus materials conversely, are designed to act as poultices to actively dry the substrate. Ingressed/trapped water is one of the principal agents of decay in all buildings and actively reduces the energy efficiency. It is therefore our single aim to deliberately combine all these elements into one solution.

We have been involved in repair and conservation of Abbeys, Castles, Churches, new builds projects and all manner of residential properties. Vivus materials have proved the perfect match for the care of historic, listed and the retro fit buildings. By looking at the vision of the greats, such as Vitruvius and Palladio we hope we have found a sustainable product for the building  greats of the future.

Vivus dry lime not only absorbs potentially damaging carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, it also provides a 60% to 80% decrease in CO2 during the  manufacturing process compared with Portland Cement and 60% less CO2 than hydraulic lime.

If all materials employed by the building industry could naturally return to the soil at the end of their useful lives, then we would not need to be concerned with sustainability. All Vivus material constituents are used for instance in water purification or natural farmland improvement and are entirely of reusable or degradable composition.

Thermasec uses a material that is equal to its’ own weight – carbon capturing and locking  and its’ source material is virtually any bio-mass. A second constituent is a clean, safe, inert material diverted directly from landfill.

The Vivus combinations also produce enhanced energy reduction during their in-service life. Thermasec is currently delivering an almost 70% reduction in household energy use. We also use 80% less energy to produce our pre bagged ready mixed mortars than any other pre mix available.

Mortars should do no physical damage to adjacent materials, as we have mentioned something that can happen with overly strong cement-based mortar mixes. Pure Lime is ‘flexible’ and far more ‘forgiving’ than denser hydraulics & cements. The lack of flexibility may lead  to cracking in the surrounding material, even with just a little ground movement. We have plastered carpet with our plaster skim to prove a point. Our dry Lime has been independently tested for strength under compression and results prove its very impressive qualities (factor of 60-1) in comparison to NHL 3.5. Please see further reading page.

We have shown over decades, that proper humidity control – humidity balanced within the optimal range between 40% & 60% leads also to a balanced temperature and fluctuations are in direct correlation with the fluctuation levels of humidity.

Vivus has always used material constituents that are, in themselves, low conductors of heat and absorbent and therefore are also extremely effective at poulticing – ergo the removing and drying/balancing of the humidity levels.

THERMASEC is on its’ own, an incredibly efficient insulator. We have created a method and material that combine to also reduce density to add to that insulating effect.

For the TAFF Housing Decarbonisation Project  sponsored by ORP, THERMASEC has given an Industry leading in situ U-value for 270mm of solid brick wall, independently recorded, @ 0.32WmK, in 65mm total thickness of render coats. Please see our test results on the test result page.This is quite simply, as good as 100mm of expanded polystyrene BUT we have also controlled the humidity in the same process rather than creating a sealed sweating box that requires additional measures to combat the otherwise potentially  catastrophic levels of moisture.

In addition, we have not created a fire risk because we have avoided highly combustible and/or petrochemical materials.

Lime is a natural alkaline and is therefore already registered as an ‘anti-covid’ amongst so much other evidence, both current and historic. For millennia, lime was always and ubiquitously used to clean, purify, neutralise acidity and protect. As the material when used properly, also keeps the environment dry it leaves no opportunity for decay. With the effective removal of excess moisture, balanced by Vivus to the optimal, instances of mould are significantly reduced, if not removed altogether. Many recent studies shown how harmful black mould spores in damp house are, particularly with those who suffer from asthma and other underlying conditions.

The health of our immediate principle living environment has a direct impact on our health and wellbeing.

We only have to look at the fabulous historic buildings to see the aesthetic advantages of lime. The incredible ornate plaster from the 16th – 18th Century,  a wonderful medieval  render, or to see how a Roman mortar has stood the test of time or a fresco.  Lime can also provide a number different finishes for the contemporary setting. The “softer, warmer” feel caused by the refraction of light on lime walls creates a very particular effect. Try polished work surfaces or a marble effect alternative as splash back in bathrooms. There are so many different methods to create almost infinite choices.

Although, Vivus Solutions products contribute so positively to many of the different considerations clients cross when deciding which materials to use, we still price all our products competitively against the industry. Our speed of set allows for a faster and more efficient site. We hope to ensure that traditional lime can be used in an effective commercial and sustainable way for the future.

The Vivus Solution is a complete solution.