Mount Gambier Limestone

LIMESTONE IN HOME CONSTRUCTION

Mount Gambier Limestone

Mount Gambier limestone is a natural product that is widely used in all types of home construction as it has the versatility to suit any design from the ultra-modern to the cosy cottage.


The exterior can be constructed of:


  • Rock Face - Rough textured surface
  • Smooth Face - Smooth surface
  • Plaster Grade - Smooth face that is to be cement-rendered

Mount Gambier limestone gives excellent natural insulation to your internal walls. The fabulous fire and acoustic properties of Mount Gambier limestone give greater thermal protection and a reduction in noise levels throughout your home, ensuring a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere.

Note:

Being a natural product, Mount Gambier limestone may have a slight colour variation of white to off-white.

WHAT IS IT?

Mount Gambier Limestone is a marine deposit of creamy white calcium carbonate, cellular in nature. This structure gives it excellent acoustic and insulation properties. The blocks, known as "ashlars " have been in use for over 100 years and are low maintenance when sealed.

WHAT CAN IT BE USED FOR?

There are many uses:

  • Multi Storied Buildings
  • Hospitals
  • Factories
  • Shops
  • Farm Buildings
  • Fences
  • Home Units
  • Dwellings
  • Feature Walls
  • Fire Walls
  • Sculpturing

It is not only easy to use; it is also one of the least expensive building materials available.

HOW IS IT USED?

Building methods are basically the same as those used with bricks: stone veneer or double wall with cavity. The ashlars are sawn at the quarry and delivered directly to the site. There is also a big saving in mortar since only about 20% of the amount for equivalent brickwork is required.

SCULPTURING

Limestone is an excellent medium for sculpturing as it is extremely easy to work with. Ordinary woodworking tools such as saws, chisels, planes etc can be used.

FIRE RATING

100mm (4In) 1.5 hours

110mm (4.75In) 2 hours

135mm (5.25In) 3 hours

150mm (6In) 4 hours

200mm (8.00In) 6 hours

SIZES AVAILABLE

100 mm (4 inch)

112 mm (4.5 inch) -- For normal housing.

125 mm (5 inch) -- Building generally.

150 mm (6 inch)

175 mm (7 inch) -- for single walls, garages.

200 mm (8 inch) -- for retaining walls.

240 mm (9.5 inch) -- Quoin work.

290 mm x 290 mm -- Sculpturing blocks.

(11.5 inch)

Ashlars are also available in 290mm and 240mm high Rock Face.


Lintels can be cut in limestone provided that the opening does not exceed 1.5m (5ft). Lintels for a single doorway are 1.3m (4ft 4 inch), and for a double doorway 1.65 m (6ft 6 inch). For openings larger than 1.5m, reinforced concrete lintels or galvanised lintels are advisable. These can be rendered to match the limestone. (Check with local council building regulations.)


Quoins: Corners are an ashlar of double thickness. These are supplied and to be cut on-site into an L shape. The rebated piece can be used as an ordinary ashlar.

SURFACE TREATMENT

Internal Walls

Internal walls can be plastered and painted.

External Walls

External walls can have a water-based sealer applied to help prevent discolouring. 

Enhance your construction projects with the timeless beauty of Mount Gambier limestone.

Contact GEM Group at 08 8725 4093 for quality and expertise.