Rialto – Lime Sustainability
THE GREEN SPIRIT
The CO2
The seasoned slaked lime (grassello di calce) represents a third of the ingredients of the decorative finish. Today this lime is obtained in a furnace following traditional procedures.
Once the product is applied, due the chemical composition of this air-hardening lime, it begins to reabsorb a good portion of the CO2 emitted during the production process, this is the so called carbonatation phase. This re-absorption process transforms the calcium hydroxide (lime) into calcium carbonate (stone).
Amongst the most popular binders in building construction, analyzing this delicate balance of CO2 emissions and reabsorption, we can say that the traditional seasoned slaked lime (grassello di calce) holds a special record: 60-62% of the CO2 total emission is re-absorbed drastically reducing the permanent CO2 footprint.
Hydrated dolomitic lime and calcic air-hardening lime perform around 53-56% while hydraulic lime performs at 26% and the other types of cement do not exceed 1%. Choosing a seasoned slaked lime based finish for your project is an excellent sustainable and ecological choice.
Water vapor permeability
Unlike acrylic based coatings, lime base coatings, because of their nature, do not film creating a physical barrier to water vapor transmission. On the contrary, lime based coatings promote air and water vapor exchange throughout the walls.
Dry walls contribute to a healthy and comfortable domestic environment.
Biocides
The high pH (12,5/13,5) of a lime coating is itself a basic environment with natural antiseptic properties. It contributes to purifying the living spaces and improving their liability.
Rialto lime based finishes simply do not contain added biocides.