Aldis & May
Conservation and Restoration
'Specialists in the conservation and preservation of historic buildings and monuments'
BRICKWORK & MASONRY
Brickwork & Masonry Conservation
Soft red brickwork and masonry such as coarse and knapped flint, chert and septaria are some of the most commonly used building materials; particularly in East Anglia. They have been used on everything from crinkle-crankle walls to flint abbey ruins and are all dependent on suitable bedding and pointing lime mortars. When deciding on the appropriate methods, mortar mixes and level of conservation required the function, location and masonry material all need to be taken into consideration.
As well as the long-term preservation, we will always aim to ensure the overall aesthetics of the structure and match any repairs to the original. We are able to identify and provide solutions to the causes of deterioration and decay and for every project, building and object an individual and unique treatment plan is developed and agreed based on initial investigation, analysis, research and initial trials prior to any work commencing.
We are able to undertake a variety of different projects from small areas of cement removal and lime repointing to rebuilding entire walls or building façades comprising a wide range of services.
The cleaning of brickwork and masonry can involve the removal of dirt and surface deposits including organic growth and vegetation, sulphation and graffiti or the treatment or removal of ferrous metals, unsuitable previous repairs or inappropriate paint systems and surface coatings which can be disfiguring and accelerate the rate of deterioration.
The stabilisation of brickwork and masonry can include surface consolidation, grouting, ties, micro-pinning and cappings whilst larger losses can be repaired with replacements or armatures and lime mortars. Traditional and hot lime mortars matched to the colour and aggregate are used for repointing.