Hot lime pointing

If your house was built before about 1919, the mortar between its stones was almost certainly lime - and repointing it with modern cement quietly damages the wall.

Old stone walls are designed to breathe: moisture escapes through the softer lime joints, not through the stone. Cement mortar traps that moisture and forces it out through the stone face instead, which is why cement-pointed cottages spall and stay damp. Hot-mixed lime - slaked as the mortar is made, the traditional way - puts the wall back the way it was meant to work. Dave rakes out the failed mortar by hand and repoints in hot lime, finished to suit the building.

Common questions

How do I know if my pointing is cement?

Cement is usually grey, hard-edged and often stands proud of the stone; lime is softer-coloured and sits back. Flaking stone faces next to untouched joints is the classic sign. Send photos on WhatsApp and Dave will tell you what you are looking at.

When can the work be done?

Lime cures slowly and hates frost, so spring to early autumn is the season in Cumbria, with fresh work protected from rain while it sets.

What’s included

Honest assessment of whether your wall needs it
Old cement or failed mortar raked out by hand
Traditional hot-mixed lime mortar
Joints finished to suit the building
Fresh work protected while it cures