“Water penetration is the main instigator of decay in stonework and prevention is always the best solution to avoiding expensive repair projects”
Hoare Banks Stonemasons are specialists in conservation and restoration for our local area. With our history dating back to 1810 we have a long heritage within the stone industry specialising in Portland, Bath and Purbeck Stone. Combining traditional masonry practices with modern methods of efficiency our stonemasons have a great depth of skill and knowledge, only using materials sourced from quality suppliers to repair or replace decaying stonework.
Repairs to masonry can be carried out with a lime based restoration mortar or if the stone is heavily decayed then replacement stonework of the existing stone and moulding can be produced in our workshop ready for fitting. Once all conservation and repair work is completed an additional shelter coat can also be applied to any existing stonework to add a protective wearable coat which will protect and prolong the life of the existing stonework. Natural weathering of stonework is inevitable, but some stones have a structure that makes them more durable than others. Locally we see a lot of decaying Bath Stone, this is usually caused by pollution, frost and the crystallisation of soluble salts. Water penetration is the main instigator of decay in stonework and prevention is always the best solution to avoiding expensive repair projects. The most important lesson learned over the years is to deal with the small details, if you can stop water penetration you will stop much bigger problems in the future. Each project undertaken will require a site visit to discuss all aspects and details of the restoration to be carried out, please get in contact to arrange a site visit.
