Yatton Keynell
Conserving weathered stonework, with new dressed stone cut and pieced in to match where the original had eroded.
The brief
Parts of the stonework had weathered beyond saving. The aim was to keep as much of the original fabric as possible and let in new dressed stone only where it was genuinely needed.
What we did
- Assessed which stone was sound and which had failed
- Cut new stone to match the original profile and bed
- Pieced the new work in cleanly, keeping the existing fabric
- Pointed up in a matched mortar
The result
Sound, weather-tight stonework that keeps its original character — repaired, not replaced.
Questions about this kind of work
Why use lime mortar instead of cement?
Older and traditionally-built stone needs to breathe. Cement traps moisture against the stone, which leads to damp and accelerated decay. Breathable lime mortar lets moisture move out of the wall and stays softer than the stone, so it’s the mortar that weathers rather than the masonry. We match the mix to the building.
Do you work on listed and historic buildings?
Yes. We carry out stone and masonry works to listed and historic buildings, planned and documented to suit conservation requirements, and we’re happy to work alongside your architect, surveyor or conservation officer.
How do you price and scope work?
Clearly. You get a scope that sets out exactly what is included and what is not, so there are no nasty surprises at the end. If something needs to change once the work is opened up, we tell you before we do it.
How do I get a quote?
Get in touch with a few details — and photos if you have them — and we’ll arrange to come and see the work. Quotes are free and come with a clear scope of what’s included, along with a note of anything that might change once the work is opened up. Send us your details to get started.
How long will the work take?
It depends on the job and the weather — lime work in particular needs the right conditions to cure properly. We’ll give you a realistic timescale with the quote and keep you updated as the work progresses.