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Cotswold stonework, lime pointing and lime plaster
Short answer
Old Cotswold stone walls were built with lime mortar, and they need lime for repairs. Lime is softer than the stone and lets the wall dry out. Hard cement can trap water and damage the stone. Repoint only where the mortar has failed. This page lists Cotswold builders who do stone and lime work.
Firms found on a trade register first, then A to Z.
| Firm | Based in | Does | Checks | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A & L Builders LtdLtd company 04223339 | Fairford GL7 Covers Fairford and Lechlade |
Cotswold stonework, Dry stone walling | 01285 712541 | |
| Barron's Building ServicesLtd company 13276767 | Minchinhampton GL6 Covers Cirencester, Stroud, Witney +7 |
Cotswold stonework, Dry stone walling, New builds, Extensions | 01453 882411Website | |
| Cotswold Hare Building, Renovations and Carpentry Ltd | Cirencester GL7 Covers Cirencester |
Renovations, Structural repairs, Extensions, Garage conversions, +1 | 07545 503684 | |
| Harri-Stone Masonry LtdLtd company 05715803 | Witney OX28 Covers Witney |
Cotswold stonework, Dry stone walling, Listed buildings | 01993 772005Website | |
| Jackson's Stonemasonry LtdLtd company 15776149 | Winchcombe GL54 Covers Cirencester, Winchcombe, Stow-on-the-Wold |
Cotswold stonework, Dry stone walling, Lime mortar and plaster, Listed buildings | 07741 900066Website | |
| K.J.S. Construction LimitedLtd company 04511049 | Minchinhampton GL6 Covers Nailsworth |
Renovations, Extensions, Cotswold stonework, Groundworks | 01453 889658Website | |
| Peer Lime Specialist LtdLtd company 12864544 | Cirencester GL7 Covers Cirencester |
Lime mortar and plaster, Listed buildings, Cotswold stonework | 07766 236813Website | |
| Pyments Of Campden LimitedLtd company 01448950 | Chipping Campden GL55 Covers Chipping Campden |
Extensions, New builds, Renovations, Cotswold stonework, +1 | 01386 840233 | |
| TJM Stone Walling LtdLtd company 11948847 | Witney OX29 Covers Witney |
Dry stone walling, Cotswold stonework | 07557 382262Website | |
| Bonner & Milner LtdLtd company 06303033 | Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 Covers Moreton-in-Marsh |
Extensions, Loft conversions, Renovations, Cotswold stonework, +8 | Trading, no register found | 01386 701 261Website |
| Cotswold Building & RoofingLtd company 12550817 | Fairford GL7 Covers Cirencester, Tetbury, Fairford and Lechlade +1 |
New builds, Extensions, Renovations, Cotswold stonework, +3 | Trading, no register found | 07799 350998Website |
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Why lime suits Cotswold stone
Lime mortar is softer and more porous than the stone around it. It wears away first, so it protects the stone.
SPAB, the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, says hard cement pointing reverses this. The stone then becomes the weak part, and it suffers more frost and salt damage.
Cotswold District Council links to SPAB advice on repointing, lime render and limewash.
When to repoint
Repoint only where the mortar has failed. SPAB says wait until the mortar has worn back by about the width of the joint, or is very loose.
Soft mortar on its own is not a reason to repoint. Lime mortar is meant to be soft.
Fix the cause of any water first, such as a leaking gutter or a blocked drain. New pointing will not cure a leak.
How good lime work is done
Ask the builder to describe the method. Good lime work usually includes the steps below.
- Rake out the old mortar by hand, to about twice the joint width. Do not cut into the stone edges with a grinder.
- Match the old mortar in colour and texture. Make a trial panel first.
- Use a mix that is weaker than the stone.
- Protect new work from frost, sun, wind and rain while it cures. Avoid lime work in winter where possible.
Listed buildings and conservation areas
On a listed building, like-for-like repairs often need no consent. Cotswold District Council says extensive repairs, or the replacement of parts, might need listed building consent.
A change from lime to cement, or a new style of pointing, can change the character of the building. Ask the council before work starts.
What to ask a builder
Ask each builder about their lime work, not only their stonework.
- Which lime do you use, and why does it suit this wall?
- How will you remove the old mortar without harming the stone?
- Can you make a trial panel for me to see?
- How will you protect the work while it cures?
- Does the price include scaffolding?
Questions
Can I use cement to repoint a Cotswold stone wall?
It is not a good idea on an old wall. SPAB says hard cement makes the stone the weak part, so the stone suffers more frost and salt damage. Use a lime mortar that is weaker than the stone.
How do I know if my wall needs repointing?
Look for joints that have worn back by about their own width, or mortar that falls out. If the mortar is only soft, it may not need work yet.
Can cement pointing be removed?
Yes, but with care. Removing hard cement can damage soft stone edges. Ask the builder to try a small area first.