Stone Repair Service

Stonemasonry is the craft of shaping rough pieces of rock into accurate geometrical shapes. The resulting stones can be simple or highly complex, which are then arranged, often with mortar, to form structures.

Stone repair is the work undertaken on existing buildings where environmental elements such as pollution, algae growth or structural problems have led to damage which needs to be addressed to ensure the long-term value, quality and stability of the structure.

Where stone has started to crumble or deteriorate, the extent and depth of the damage generally dictates the best solution. In any project, the first step is likely to be cleaning to ensure a level starting base for understanding and making choices on treatment, colour and stone renovation.

With minor damage, repairs can often be as simple as skimming or stone-patching with a tested and colour-matched wet mortar mix. This works best with eroded or smaller missing sections or to sharpen the contours of decorative detailing. The idea is that when it dries, it appears seamless with the original stone.

With major repairs requiring the replacement of stone blocks, we assess the project and take steps to order matching stone and, if necessary, have matching details carved in advance by a stonemason in a workshop. If a full match cannot be found, we use the closest match and colour tint or skim to achieve the final effect required, working in partnership with our client.

The skill of the stonemason is critical as any repair materials must match the porosity and other general characteristics of the original stone, to ensure the long-term viability of the repair.

All buildings undergo the effects of the water cycle, which exposes them to a range of climatic conditions including temperature fluctuations, solar radiation, and airflow. These factors can cause water to appear as a gas, liquid, or solid, depending on the conditions.

Regional differences and the building's orientation further influence these effects. For example, north-facing elevations tend to harbour more biological matter like algae due to less sunlight, while airborne pollutants such as carbonic compounds deposit on surfaces. Additionally, buildings near the coast face salt deposition from sea spray.

Over time, these elements contribute to the weathering of stone, which can either add to the patina of a building or leave it appearing rundown and neglected. Without intervention, the ongoing wear from these environmental factors can cause not just aesthetic issues but also structural damage.

Repairing damaged stone requires a meticulous process tailored to the specific needs of the stone's condition, type and location. We begin with a thorough assessment of the damage, including a risk evaluation to understand the extent of deterioration and the necessary equipment for the job​​.

The restoration work itself typically starts with a deep clean to reveal any additional areas that need attention. We use several cleaning methods, including DOFF and TORC cleaning, to provide optimal results without damaging the stone's surface.

The hallmark of a successful stonework repair is invisibility: it should look like there hasn’t been a repair at all. For instances of cracking or deterioration, we will first match our repair materials to the existing stonework, often sending a small stone sample to a laboratory for precise colour matching.

The use of rope access for repairs, especially in challenging locations, eliminates the need for costly scaffolding, reduces project times, and minimises disruption. This method, combined with our expertise in colour matching and stone conservation techniques, allows for effective, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing restoration, ensuring the stone's longevity and the long-term preservation of your property.

Effective repair of spalling stone requires extensive knowledge, experience and tried-and-tested processes. In brief, we will assess the extent of the damage to determine which stones need replacement, find a matching stone, carefully remove the damaged stone without affecting the surrounding area, shape new stone to fit the cavity, create the appropriate surface texture on the new stone, and finally, set the stone in place using the right mortar mix.

Each step, from selecting the stone to the finishing touches, is crucial for a seamless restoration that preserves the integrity and appearance of the original structure. We strongly recommend recruiting the help of an expert stonemason to ensure a sympathetic restoration.

The UK is renowned for its beautiful stone buildings, none more so than in London. A great proportion of our work is carried out in the Greater London area where every example of stone building design can be found. We are adept at natural stone repair in all scenarios working across buildings old and new.

Layered over this complexity is the fact that there are many types of stone repair skills required and, with our extensive team and many complex projects, we have found we can always draw on specialist prior experience.