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A&EStonework Ltd

Lime pointing

Repointing in lime mortar so that walls can dry outwards through the joints rather than through the face of the stone. Where cement pointing traps moisture, a compatible lime mortar can help the wall manage it.

Lime mortar being pressed into a stone joint with a pointing iron

What this covers

  • Raking out failed cement and lime pointing
  • Hot-mixed and putty lime pointing
  • Joint finishes matched to the original work
  • Deep repointing and joint consolidation
  • Localised repointing after stone repairs

When you might need it

  • Joints are hollow, cracked, or mortar can be pulled out by hand.
  • Hard cement pointing is sitting proud and the stone edges are eroding behind it.
  • Internal damp appears on walls that were recently repointed in cement.

How the work runs

  1. 01

    Mortar analysis

    Looking at the existing mortar and wall construction before specifying a mix.

  2. 02

    Raking out

    Old mortar removed by hand to a sound depth without damaging arrises.

  3. 03

    Preparation

    Joints brushed and dampened so the new mortar cures rather than dries out.

  4. 04

    Pointing

    Mortar worked well back into the joint and finished to match the original.

  5. 05

    Aftercare

    Protection and controlled curing, with guidance on what to expect as it cures.

Materials

Lime mortars are gauged to suit the stone, the exposure and the wall's construction. Sand is selected for colour and grading so repointed areas sit comfortably beside original work.

Common questions

Why not cement?
Cement is harder and less permeable than most traditional stone. It pushes moisture and salts into the stone face, where the damage shows.
What time of year can lime work be done?
Lime needs frost-free conditions and controlled drying. Programming around Scottish weather is part of the planning.
How long does lime pointing last?
Correctly specified lime pointing is long-lived and, importantly, sacrificial: it weathers before the stone does.

Related work

Other services

Discuss your lime pointing project

Tell us where the building is, what you've noticed and any drawings or photographs you have. A few clear photos of the wall usually help most.

Discuss your lime pointing info@aestoneworks.co.uk

The project form prepares an email for you to send from your own email app.

Where to begin

  1. 01Describe the work
  2. 02Share the location
  3. 03Add photos if you have them