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Heritage Masonry Services
Stone & Trowel Heritage Masonry Restoration offers masonry assessments, cleaning, repointing, rebuilding and replication services for heritage buildings in Victoria, BC and Vancouver Island for both the public and private sectors.
Masonry Assessments:
The initial phase of any masonry restoration project revolves around thoroughly assessing and understanding both the surface and underlying issues present within a structure. Once those issues are known, we can then begin creating a custom-tailored solution to suit the requirements of each specific aspect of the restoration, including condition reports, photo documentation, scope recommendations, and phased work plans. An assessment typically entails the following and typically applies to schools, civic buildings, churches, and heritage homes prior to major work:
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Performing a thorough walk-through of the site, analyzing structural integrity and apparent issues
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Removal and testing of current mortar to ensure the new mortar will be compatible with the old
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Using photogrammetry to fully assess the underlying condition of the building
Heritage Repointing:
Stone & Trowel begins the repointing process by carefully removing a portion of the existing mortar in place and testing it to ascertain what type of mortar mixture was originally used. It's important to do this in order to ensure that the new mortar will flex and breath at the same rate as the previous mortar throughout the seasons.
Through traditional masonry techniques and methods, we then re-create the original mortar and replace the existing mortar to a specified depth. Each masonry structure requires a unique type and mixture of mortar in order to ensure that the building remains in good standing for generations to come and we are experts in determining each specific mixture.
Rebuilding Heritage Structures:
From brickwork to stonework, as well as Venetian plasters, Stone & Trowel has the knowledge, experience, and resources to replicate and rebuild damaged or missing aspects of any masonry building. From carved stone features to heritage brick and plasters, we will replicate and rebuild the necessary sections to suit the original mold.
In 2017, the team at Stone & Trowel was responsible for replicating missing aspects of several 17th-Century limestone doorways and windows as part of a private heritage restoration project.
To learn more about this project and others, please click here.
Masonry Cleaning:
Stone & Trowel utilizes specialized equipment to clean both the exterior and interior of masonry buildings without saturating or causing damage to the brick or stone. Whether it’s graffiti or stone that has been discoloured due to weathering and other natural causes, we use low-pressure, steam-based equipment which is custom-built to address specific issues with maintaining heritage masonry buildings and features. Our approach is non-abrasive, does not require the use of chemicals, and does not harm the stone, brick, or mortar.
Request A Consultation
In need of an assessment when it comes to your heritage masonry project? Fill out the contact form below and we'll be in touch as soon as possible.