Professional Edinburgh Lime Pointing

Lime Pointing in Edinburgh

Although it may look unremarkable, lime mortar is an incredibly important part of the fabric of the building. Working with stone it is imperative to use a lime-based pointing, as its properties are perfectly matched to the natural aspects of the stone it secures.

Pointing finishes the wall surface and closes the gaps between stone or brick on external walls to keep the surface weathertight, encouraging the transfer of moisture and salts away from the principal stone and brick construction.

Poor repointing of walls can have a serious detrimental effects on the appearance of a building.

Like all things, lime mortar needs occasional attention and re-pointing is something that will need to be done from time to time.

The appropriate use of traditional lime renders and mortars on historic buildings contributes to their preservation, and helps to maintain the historic character and local distinctiveness of an area.

This applies to all types of project whether it be a full building or a simple garden wall.

Using correctly applied lime mortar is imperative for a long-lasting and esoterically pleasing finish.

You may decide that you’d like to enhance the look of your property and so a light-touch repointing will refresh your exterior and, alongside a general cleaning of your stone will make things feel a lot brighter.

Alternatively, if you have crumbling or missing mortar then is it vital that you take action quickly to ensure that more damage isn’t sustained through the gaps that result.

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What is lime mortar, and why should it be used instead of cement?

Lime mortar is simply a mix of sand and/or aggregate (like granite chips in the sand) and a natural lime binder.

The choice of sand and aggregate is often dictated by the existing mortar if we are trying to match it.

If not, the general rule of thumb is, the bigger the joints and beds the bigger the aggregate particles.

The colours of the lime mortar pointing can be adjusted by your choice of lime and sand, or more rarely, pigments can be used.

Lime mortar allows water to escape through the pointing and not sit behind it where it can collect and freeze in the winter. When this happens, the pointing is pushed from the stone, breaks up and falls from the wall or building.

In a situation where cement has been used and this happens, when it is forced out of the joints by frozen water, it has the habit of taking some of the stone with it.

Lime pointing is a lot more flexible and is much more able to withstand movement without cracking or failing than cement pointing. So lime mortar will last much longer. It looks much better too!

The bottom line: Always use lime for stone pointing. We do.

“Thanks for the great job to our back wall. It looks very strong now. When you have time, can you please come back and quote for the left hand side? Would be much appreciated. Ten out of ten lads.”

Joe Clark

“Just to say I am very grateful for the great job you all did this week. Greg next door is very impressed with the repair work too and says he will be in touch to have his done too. Once again guys, thanks very much.”

Eileen Connor

“A big thank you for our new chimney. It looks lovely I must say, and Tom and Barbara are thrilled with it too. So nice to have real professionals carrying out the job. Thanks again!”

Mr & Mrs Kennedy

“Your boys did a brilliant job at the side of the house. They worked hard and were always very polite and pleasant. The side of the house looks good as new, and many thanks. I shall certainly recommend you and your team!”

Carol Sheen

“Thank you for the lovely job on the front and side of our house. I had no idea ivy could cause so much damage! You matched the new stone so well with the old, and the lime pointing makes the building look much fresher and cleaner.”

Julie Carr

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