Stone Repair and Replacement

// sympathetic restoration

Stone repair

Stone repair involves restoring damaged masonry while retaining as much of the original stone as reasonably possible.

Damage may include weathered surfaces, cracks, broken corners, damaged edges or localised areas that have deteriorated more quickly than the rest of the building.

Benefits of stone repair

Repairing existing stonework enables the property to retain its original masonry. Where the stone remains structurally sound, such repairs can leave intact the authentic character of the property. This is particularly valuable on traditional, period and listed buildings.

Small damaged areas can become progressively worse when exposed to rain and frost so careful stone restoration can help prevent further deterioration.

Restores appearance

Damaged corners, eroded surfaces and previous poor repairs can make otherwise good stonework appear neglected. Carefully executed repairs help restore a cleaner and more consistent finish.

Cost effective where replacement is not necessary

Not every damaged stone needs to be completely removed. Appropriate repairs can often preserve the existing masonry while addressing the defective area.

Protects surrounding masonry

Once one area of stone begins breaking down, water can penetrate behind or around it and affect surrounding work.

Early repair can help prevent the damage spreading.

// for more severely damaged areas

Stone replacement

Sometimes a stone has deteriorated beyond the point where a surface repair would provide an appropriate long-term solution.

In these circumstances the defective stone can be carefully removed and replaced with suitable new stone.

When stone replacement may be needed

Replacement may be recommended where there is:

Severe erosion

Deep cracking

Large sections missing

Structural deterioration

Major frost damage

Complete failure of the stone face

Historic cement repairs that have badly damaged the surrounding stone

Benefits of stone replacement

If a stone has severely deteriorated, its replacement can remove a weak point from the wall. This can restore structural integrity and is particularly important where the stone has lost substantial strength. Some stones are important to the stability and bonding of the wall. Correct replacement can restore support to neighbouring masonry..

Longer term solution

Where deterioration has extended deeply into the stone, repeated surface patching may only provide a temporary improvement. Replacement can offer a more durable repair.

Restores original appearance

New stone can be selected and worked to suit the surrounding masonry as closely as practical.

Over time, natural weathering helps the repair settle into the appearance of the existing building.

Protects adjacent stones

A failing stone can allow water into joints and behind surrounding masonry. Replacing it helps restore the integrity of the area. .