What we do
We survey and diagnose stone defects and deliver tailored conservation treatments using low‑impact methods. Typical interventions include: stone indents and piecing‑in with matching masonry; lime or hydraulic lime bedding and pointing; consolidation of decayed surfaces; grout injection for delamination; micro‑pinning and stainless‑steel stitching for structural cracks; sacrificial shelter coats and desalination poultices; and selective surface cleaning with conservation‑approved techniques. Work is carried out to minimise removal of original material and protect carved detail and tooling.
Why use conservation stonework techniques
- Maintain breathability: Use compatible mortars and shelter coats to allow vapour movement and avoid trapped moisture.
- Prevent further decay: Reduce salt action, biological growth and freeze/thaw damage by addressing moisture pathways and using compatible materials.
- Preserve historic character: Match stone type, tooling, finish and joint profile to retain visual authenticity.
- Stabilise and extend life: Targeted consolidation and structural repairs prevent progressive loss and avoid unnecessary replacement.
Key benefits
- Material compatibility: Correctly specified lime, Natural hydraulic lime, non hydraulic and specialist conservation mortars reduce stresses between units and protect softer stones.
- Durable, discreet repairs: Indents, piecing and micro‑pinning restore strength while keeping repairs visually and physically sympathetic.
- Targeted conservation: Localised work preserves maximal original fabric and decorative carving.
- Regulatory compliance: Detailed specifications, trials and documentation meet conservation officer and listed‑building requirements.
Conservation & listed‑building protocol
- Survey & analysis: Petrographic stone identification, salt and moisture analysis, mapping of decay mechanisms to inform treatment.
- Trials & approval: Test panels for cleaning, consolidation and repair mortars; trial repairs for appearance and performance sign‑off.
- Documentation: Method statements, photographic records, material data and conservation reports provided for the archive.
- Minimum intervention: Treatments follow reversibility, compatibility and least‑intervention principles to allow future conservation work.
Typical workflow
- Condition survey — record defects, stone types, previous repairs and environmental drivers of decay.
- Analysis & specification — laboratory testing, bespoke mortar/repair material selection and treatment plan.
- Trial panels — cleaning, consolidation and repair samples for approval.
- Preparatory works — protective measures, careful hand‑cleaning or poulticing, controlled raking of joints where required.
- Repair & consolidation — indents/piecing, lime/NHL bedding and pointing, grout injection, micro‑pinning and surface consolidation.
- Protective treatments & aftercare — sacrificial shelter coats, desalination where needed, monitoring and maintenance guidance.
- Handover — full records, mix recipes, maintenance schedule and specification for future works.
Why choose us
- Stone conservation expertise: Specialist knowledge of stone types, decay mechanisms and conservation materials.
- Skilled conservators and masons: Experienced operatives in delicate carving repair, indents and structural stitching.
- End‑to‑end service: From survey and trials to approved repair execution, documentation and aftercare.
Specifications & site assessment
Provide stone type (sandstone, limestone, ashlar, carved dressings, etc.), existing mortars or previous repairs and any known moisture or salt issues and we will prepare a bespoke specification, trial programme and costed proposal.
Should you have any further questions or wish to discuss your specific lime rendering, external wall insulation, general rendering or flow screed project, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to working with you.
