[Strawbale] more hydraulic vs. hydrated lime

[Mary Niles]

Greetings,

I've used NHL 2.5 a good bit for plastering up here in VT over straw and
cob as interior and exterior finish plasters.  I've also used Genlime's
Super Limoid Type S Mason's hyrdrated lime extensively for lime and
lime-stabilized earth plasters.

I won't deny that the NHL is a wonderful product, and the science and
theory behind it certainly points to being a superior product.  That said,
I can pick up type s hyrdated for about $10/bag at my local masonry supply
store, whereas the NHL needs to be shipped from PA at a cost of over
$35/bag - before shipping from PA to VT.

So I'm wondering if, empirically-speaking, not by theory and science but
by hands-on site-proven experience, anyone has found the NHL to be worth
the dramatic cost increase.  Again, I don't question whether or not it is
a better product, I'm just trying to get a handle on whether or not it's
really worth bringing it in from France at three times the cost (again,
before domestic shipping).  Our climate up here is warm and humid in the
summers, cool and humid in spring and fall, and cold and dry in the
winter.  It is worth it for this climate to use HQ materials, but the type
s has proven to work well thus far...

I appreciate your insight and feedback.


Warmly,

Jacob Racusin
Montgomery, VT