When Should You Use Hydrated Lime Instead of Quicklime or Cement?
In construction, restoration, and industrial applications, choosing the right binding material plays a crucial role in performance, safety, and durability. Lime has been used for centuries, but today many people still wonder when hydrated or slaked lime is a better choice than quicklime or cement. Understanding the differences can help builders, architects, and contractors make smarter, safer decisions. This guide explains where and why hydrated lime works best, in a simple and practical way. Understanding the Difference: Hydrated Lime, Quicklime, and Cement Before choosing the right material, it’s important to know what makes them different. Quicklime (Calcium Oxide) is produced by heating limestone at high temperatures. It reacts aggressively with water and releases a lot of heat, making it hazardous to handle. Hydrated lime is created by adding water to quicklime in a controlled process. This produces calcium hydroxide, a safer, more stable material widely used in construction and ...