Lime Pointing

All pre-1900 buildings were built with lime and should therefore ideally be pointed with lime too. Cement pointing is very hard and because of its lack of flexibility it will crack over time when used in old properties, due to movement in the walls. Once cement pointing cracks it allows water to get into the structure of the building, without letting it escape again or evaporate. This leads to damp problems and can result in severe structural issues if not recognised or addressed.

At Lime Repair we have plenty of experience in removing cement pointing and replacing it with lime. It is a job that must be done with great care, so the other building materials such as brick or stone are not damaged.

If we can find even a small sample of historic pointing we will match this using aggregates, ashes and chalk to achieve the right colour and texture, recapturing the original look of the property. If necessary we can carry out different pointing samples for approval by a Conservation Officer or client.

Lime pointing benefits from a colourful, soft-looking, textured finish as opposed to cement which tends to be grey and hard. Lime pointing can handle movement through the seasons and as the building absorbs and releases moisture, so if it is done properly it should be more-or-less maintenance free.

Stone flush-pointed with lime mortar. This is a very effective form of pointing which ensures rainwater runs off the wall without collecting in fissures.
Before cement pointing was raked out.
First stage of lime pointing.
Once the pointing is beaten back the aggregates can be seen.
Stone and brick pointing on this barn conversion.
The bricks had been pointed with cement.
The cement mortar was carefully cut out using a specialist tool.
Flush lime pointing protects the bricks.

Stone or Brick Replacements

Sometimes the stone or brick is so damaged that it needs to be replaced. This happens most often at the base of the wall and is caused by splashback from the road or pavement. Ideally a French drain would be installed along the extent of the wall to enable rainwater to drain away, but this is not always possible.

In this instance we chop out the damaged stones and install replacements cut to size. We often find stones or bricks on site or can source them from a local quarry or reclamation yard.

The damage at the bottom of this gable is apparent.
The stone had eroded behind the hard cement pointing.
The eroded stones have been replaced and the entire gable lime pointed.