EcoMortar Base

Saint-Astier EcoMortar BASE – the versatile lime mortar for historic masonry

Lime mortar (NHL) for masonry and as a base coat – cement-free.

Saint-Astier EcoMortar BASE is a factory-made dry mortar of sand, admixtures and natural hydraulic lime (NHL). It was developed specifically for the high demands of heritage conservation and new construction. Whether as a bedding mortar for traditional masonry or as a robust base coat outdoors and indoors – this mortar combines the flexibility of lime with the strength required for structural tasks.

The advantages at a glance:

• Cement-free: the only binder is Saint-Astier NHL – matched to historic building fabric made with lime.
• Vapour-permeable and capillary-active: vapour permeability 0,85 g/(m²·h·mmHg), capillarity 1–2 g/(m²·min½) according to the technical data sheet – moisture can be released from the masonry through the mortar.
• Versatile: ideal for bricklaying and as a base coat.
• Easy to work with: Smooth consistency that is easy to spread or pipe.

Areas of application:

EcoMortar BASE is the "all-rounder" for mineral substrates. 
It is ideally suited for:

• Traditional masonry: As bedding mortar for bricks, natural stone or renovations in existing buildings.
• Base coat: As the first coat (undercoat) in multi-layer lime plaster systems for exterior and interior use.
• Heritage conservation: without cement and with a modulus of elasticity of approx. 5.000 MPa (manufacturer's figure), the mortar remains deformable. 

Technical data (excerpt)

• Compressive strength: approx. 1.9 MPa (after 28 days) up to 3.6 MPa (after 90 days).
• Dry bulk density: approx. 1,400 kg/m³.
• Yield: approx. 1.7 to 1.8 kg per mm layer thickness per m².
• Vapour permeability: 0,85 g/(m²·h·mmHg).
• Capillarity: 1–2 g/(m²·min½).
• Modulus of elasticity: approx. 5.000 MPa.
• Classification: Complies with EN 998-1

Processing instructions

Preparation: The substrate must be clean and stable. Pre-wetting is essential for highly absorbent substrates (e.g. old masonry) the day before and immediately before application.

Mixing: Mix the contents of the bag (25 kg) with approx. 4 to 5 litres of clean water. Use an electric whisk mixer (450–500 rpm) for 4 to 5 minutes until a homogeneous mass is obtained. Important: do not mix too fast and avoid mixing by hand so as not to alter the properties of the material.

Application: The working temperature should be between 8 °C and 30 °C. Protect the fresh mortar from drying out too quickly due to sun or wind (lightly mist with water if necessary) and from frost for at least 10 days

Additional information

• Delivery form: 25 kg paper bag.
• Storage: Can be stored for approx. 12 months in a dry place protected from moisture.
• Safety: Please wear suitable protective clothing (gloves, goggles) during application, as lime is alkaline.