Masonry

 Our philosophy

Conservation. The preservation of brickwork and stone masonry; Our services are dedicated to preserving architectural heritage, ensuring that incorrect and detrimental construction methods are avoided thereby improving the structural integrity of historic properties. 

A deep respect for traditional craftsmanship and a commitment to incorporating authentic materials using time honoured techniques, ensure, that with our guidance, your masonry survives to be admired both by you and future generations. We conduct thorough inspections to assess the condition of your masonry, identifying issues such as weathering, cracking, spalling, and previous inappropriate repairs. LBR analyse the original materials and investigate construction methods used. We strive to deliver restoration work that is historically accurate and sympathetic to the building's original design. 

Brickwork

• Damaged (spalled) brick faces: conserve original brick by rotating and utilising the long, hidden face. Re-bed with lime mortar. 
• Damaged beyond salvage: select brick match to blend into the wall in both in size and colour. 
• Brick Repair: Where damage is minimal, or not suitable for removal we use a lime-based repair mortar that we will hand tint on site with earth pigments to repair the bricks.
• Brick matching: is essential but takes a great deal of time and effort, although this is a chargeable service, it saves you a great deal of time and cost with mis-purchased items.
• Arch repairs and rebuilds: avoiding the use of stainless steel tie rods as often proposed to repair arches, we advocate building a supporting former and rebuild all or part of the entire arch. The result is a seamless and attractive repair. 
• Tuck pointing and gauged brickwork: A largely forgotten skill.
• Architectural details Some of our finest projects in brick restoration have involved the careful repair of ornamental and decorative features such as cornices, arches, detailed corbelling and carved brickwork.  See our Architectural Details Page for more information.

Structural repairs- a more considered approach.

Often modern crack repairs use a stainless-steel rod, bed in a 2 part fixative, held within the existing mortar joint, leaving the visible signs of damage visible. We offer a different approach. 

• Structural analysis: understand underlying causes, engage our recommended Structural Engineer, if necessary. Structural issues often stem from something as simple as the use of the wrong materials.
• Structurally unsound brickwork: vertical/horizontal cracking, sagging, and bowing, can often be repaired by rebuilding sections. 
• Less serious structural movement - can often be stabilised by raking and repointing in correct mortar. 
• Develop appropriate repair strategy tailored to your building and correct to the age of the area being repaired.
• Focus on the outcome: Our repair should not be seen. All remedial work must lead to the reinstatement of the brickwork and arch/ architectural details.
• Carry out the works: We understand unique challenges posed by each historic structure and we blend traditional techniques, with a modern engineering understanding. 
• Traditional methods: are often slower than modern cementitious specifications. We understand how to navigate these mysterious waters.

Chimneys-rebuild or repair?

We can help you by bringing extensive experience in chimney conservation work. Let us assess your concerns and solve a leaning or loose chimney stack. 

• Advise: on repairs, partial or full rebuild if recommended.
• Structural analysis: ensuring that we address all structural and functional issues. 
• Permissions: We can arrange all the permissions required, either directly or through an appropriate agent.
• Safety: Arrange safe access.
• Carry out the works: Careful recording of the original specifications and details allow us to reconstruct the chimney in a precise and accurate way.
• Historical integrity: Re-use all salvaged bricks as far as practicable and reclaim bricks for any shortfalls.
• Failed pointing: remove deteriorated mortar and repoint joints with a lime mortar, essential for breathability and flexibility of any masonry.
• Minor repair works should be undertaken at the same time: lead flashing details, pot re-bedding, flaunching repair/ replacement. All these elements combine to prevent water ingress and further damage to the chimney structure.
• Flue lining: We can work with installers at the same time, to ensure you can fit a new appliance seamlessly. 

Stone

London Building Renovations’ stone repair and conservation services are designed to maintain, with minimum interference, the significance and integrity of heritage buildings. For all works we use traditional skills and materials to ensure that we meet conservation standards. We work with the stones commonly used around London and the Home Counties such as Portland stone, Bath stone and Limestone.

• ·  Inspection: Attend to assess works required and to understand the historical context of the building. At this point advise on any consents required and how to source them.
• Removal for analysis: We would take a sample of masonry and pointing for a visual match firstly. In some instances, we advocate a full chemical breakdown.
• Budget Proposal: Ballpark budgets for repairs, or removal and replacement. Needed to establish viability.
• Small repairs with a matching mortar or specified stone repair mix. 
• Small architectural details: Those areas missing pieces too large to repair with mortars, such as window jambs, mullions, etc, will be moulded, or carved after taking a profile. 
• Stone carving: For larger pieces we may commission this on your behalf. 
• Reconstituted stone: We can manufacture low volume runs of copings, windowsills, and pier capping’s from our workshop in Greater London. For larger runs we will produce technical drawings and commission bespoke pieces.
• Flint – See our barn foundation rebuild here and our repair of Christ Church after a tree fell during a storm here. 

High Temperature Steam Cleaning & Paint Removal 

Much of the older masonry surviving today, suffers from moisture trapped behind decorations applied in less enlightened times. These historic walls are in desperate need of immediate action to prevent any further damage. All operatives in our team have received training in this area.

• Steam cleaning: careful cleaning can preserve masonry faces using this gentle, non-abrasive and effective method. The technique employs low-pressure steam to remove various contaminants from the surface of masonry without causing damage to the underlying materials. However, where tougher cement/mineral-based paints are present, we may add a carefully selected grade of abrasive aggregate. This is chosen to be softer than the masonry, avoiding damage to the brick’s fired face.
• Aim: When we remove non-vapour permeable coverings that are inappropriate e.g. harsh sand and cement mortar around soft brickwork; cement-based paints; sand and cement render; gypsum plaster etc. we allow the building a chance to breathe. Given time this will solve many damp problems inside the building. 
• Other benefits using this cleaning system:
• Pollutants/Soot removal: Over time, historic buildings accumulate soot & pollution that darken and degrade the appearance of masonry.  
• Biological Growth: Algae, moss, lichens, and mould can grow on surfaces, leading to an unsightly appearance and potential damage to the masonry. 
• Inspection transparency: removes many obstacles to surface inspection, which in turn allows effective assessment of conservation works to be carried out. 
• Completing the process: If you wish to repaint the surface, we advocate the use of materials that are vapour permeable and sympathetic to the makeup of the masonry. We will discuss pros and cons of all options with you at this stage.