RE-BUILDS

sometimes it is necessary  to rebuild masonry.In which case we will aim to reclaim as much of the original material as possible. We then re-build to the original bond and style so the rebuilt work does not look out of place against the untouched masonry.

Click to enlarged^These rubbed gauged arches were collapsing.The bricks were numbered, dismantled,  re-rubbed and rebuilt over arch formers with new key stones made on site.

REPLACEMENT 

IT is often necessary  to replace individual stones or bricks.

Normally a masonry handsaw or AS160 machine would be used for extraction . Both these methods are vibration free  and do not loosen the surrounding material as opposed to using hammers and chisels or  powered chisel.Particular attention is paid to ensure top joints are packed full so as to support the work . 

Brick replacement and repointing, click to enlarge>

RE-POINTING

By using correct methods and materials our finished work is unsurpassed.

<Avoid this           Go for this instead>

 When possible, masonry is raked out using hand tools (not grinders) to avoid damage to arrisses. It is then re-pointed using tools made by ourselves to suit the size of the joints.* 

When choosing the mortar mix, consideration is given to the colour, texture and hardness when fully cured. 

Ideally the mix used would match the original mortar and be less hard than the surrounding material ( too often hard mortar pointing causes more damage than if the wall was left untouched).  

  Every joint on this random limestone gable end was raked  out by hand and repointed with hy-draulic  lime mortar.  Click to enlarge>     

 It is worth noting that unstable walling can often be stabilised by good re-pointing and therefore leaving the original intact without the need for re-building.

       * pointing guns / trowels are slow and inadiquate in most situations.

MASONRY REPAIR

Individual stones or bricks can be repaired in situ where necessary  by indenting with with a smaller piece of the same material or performing a plastic repair. A plastic repair is particularly suitable for use with damaged ornate masonry that would not be viable to replace. The repair mortar is moulded into shape and finished to emulate the original work. please Click on LITHOMEX link for more info.

STRUCTUAL (repair/alteration)

 Many buildings we deal with are very delapidated and some are dangerous.

 Having said this, with an appreciation of how the building/masonry is put together it is normally possible to save much if not all of the masonry and perform alterations. A well thought out method with a careful approach is required to prevent de-stabilising the                 structure further or even collapse.

 

Sometimes it is necessary  to repair masonry or restore a buildings integrity with minimum interference of the buildings fabric.

 One solution uses slender helical bars which in simple terms re-attaches the parts of a building to each other.  This works well with old and modern structures alike. Please click on the HELIFIX link for more info.

further reading on restoration & repair can be found at S.P.A.B.

Before                                   After 

     1870's cottage.

First stage of render removal and re-instating of the the original sash window opening.