Maintaining the Present: How Traditional Techniques Protect Stonework Today

At Salthouse Stonemasonry, we believe that the best way to care for a building in the present is to work with the same respect and attention to detail as the craftspeople who built it in the past. Maintenance is not simply about quick fixes — it’s about using the right materials and techniques so that any work done today will serve the building well for decades to come.

Working with Traditional Materials

We are committed to using non-hydraulic hot lime mortar for all our pointing and bedding work. This traditional material has been proven over centuries to be the most compatible choice for stone buildings. It allows the structure to breathe, helps manage moisture naturally, and protects the stone from unnecessary stress and damage.

Where stonework has failed or is beyond repair, we carry out like-for-like replacements using natural stone that matches the original in type, texture, and colour. This includes replicating the original tooling marks so that the repair blends seamlessly with the surrounding fabric. By working in this way, we maintain not only the building’s structural integrity but also its historic character.

Preventing Future Decay

Sometimes, a repair requires more than replacing mortar or stone. In certain situations — particularly where moisture ingress or structural weakness is a concern — we use resin-based remedial techniques. These allow us to secure and strengthen stone elements without replacing them unnecessarily, helping to extend the life of original features and reduce the risk of further decay.

Resin anchors and pinning systems can be invaluable when working with fragile or fractured stone. They allow us to stabilise the material while keeping as much of the original work in place as possible. This approach is particularly useful in conservation, where the goal is always to retain rather than replace.

Why Maintenance Matters

A building’s ongoing health depends on regular inspection and timely intervention. By addressing small issues — such as cracked joints, loose stones, or early signs of water ingress — we can prevent far more serious problems in the future.

Maintaining the present is about understanding the needs of the building right now, and making repairs that will allow it to stand strong for generations to come. Whether it’s repointing with hot lime mortar, carrying out a precise stone replacement, or using discreet resin repairs, our goal is always the same: to protect the building’s fabric while respecting its history.

A Heritage-Led Approach to Modern Care

Our philosophy is simple: the right repair, with the right material, carried out in the right way. Modern buildings benefit from this approach just as much as heritage structures, because it prioritises long-term durability over short-term fixes.

By combining traditional skills with selective modern techniques, we ensure that each repair supports the building’s structural health and preserves its visual character. Maintaining the present is not just about keeping a building standing — it’s about keeping it standing well.