Bath stone is softer and more porous than other types of natural stone used for building, yet the architectural beauty of the city of Bath stands as testament to the fact that Bath stone buildings can stand for centuries as long as the stone is well-maintained and protected from damaging environmental factors.
As lovers of Bath stone we at Sandridge Stone Ltd are passionate about repairing and restoring worn and damaged stonework. Our stone masons – led by Jim Wheel who is a Level 3 qualified Heritage Skills conservator and Banker Mason – not only supply, cut and hand carve stone for new builds, but we actively work at conserving and repairing historic Bath stone buildings and architectural detailing in Somerset and Wiltshire, including Bradford-on-Avon and Melksham.
The porosity of Bath stone is at the root of most of the damage sustained by structures made of this marvellous material that was formed in a shallow, warm sea which covered our local area 160 million years ago. Water absorbed by the stone can freeze and expand, causing cracks, crumbling or spalling. Water also carries pollutants and dirt into the depths of the stone, dulling its colour, and over time the continual cycle of absorbing water and drying out can weaken the structure, leaving it susceptible to erosion.
Add in the effects of acid rain, pollution, weathering and biological growth and it is clear that repairs and maintenance are continually required to keep a beautiful Bath stone structure in immaculate condition.
Repairs to Bath Stone can only be carried out successfully by professionals with the expertise and knowledge of the stone’s properties, and the cause of the damage.
Our expert team of stone masons commonly carry out repair and restoration work on Bath stone buildings such as:
Whatever it takes to return a Bath Stone structure to its original glory we are at your disposal to carry out the work, sensitively and sympathetically. We are well used to working under the watchful eye of local authority planning officers to satisfy listed building repair and restoration requirements.
Our aim when taking on the challenge of repairing large or small areas of damaged, eroded or weakened Bath stonework is always to use traditional techniques and effect a seamless repair that blends in as much as possible with the original.
We follow a meticulous assessment and repair process that prioritises the preservation of the building’s historical and aesthetic integrity.
When repairing stone, we use a wide range of different blends of natural hydraulic lime mortar (‘NHL’), stone dust and aggregates to repoint joints and fill eroded areas. We use our wealth of experience in colour matching mortar to achieve the best possible blending with the surrounding stone and are always mindful of the need to preserve the breathability and flexibility of the stone to prevent future moisture build up and further damage.
If detailing has weathered or eroded away our skilled stone masons will hand-craft new elements to repair the damage and replicate the original design.
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