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 Stonemasons Edinburgh use traditional techniques and materials that incorporate today’s best practices, see below project trusted in our care.

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How to understand your traditional building in Edinburgh?

You will know that most of the stone buildings in Edinburgh are built of relatively thick stone walls, many that are Ashlar dressed coursed sandstone pointed and built in lime mortar.  This traditional method of building enables the structure to breathe.

Many of the older buildings in Edinburgh have been repaired over the years using modern materials such as cement, gypsum plaster and modern paints. This has in some instances led to damage to stonework, requiring very extensive repairs.

We now know that repairing traditional buildings with modern or non-traditional materials will accelerate stone decay.

The materials used in the construction of stonemasonry buildings in Edinburgh were sourced locally from Craigleith or Hails to name a couple, many of these materials fell out of use after the 1920’s and were replaced with modern substitutes.

Looking after your stone masonry building

Utilising traditional materials and having a building maintenance programme will help to preserve, enhance and prolong the life of your stone building

Chimneys– The most vulnerable part of the building for weathering. Most are built with Ashlar stone or rubble masonry, however, over the years we have seen that many chimneys that have been coated in cement where the stone has decayed.

Read our chimney inspection guide for further information.

Masonry Repairs –  Natural stone deteriorates very slowly and may require repair or replacement. Most importantly we carry out repairs and certainly ensure that the repair is in keeping with the current stone and also materials.

Read our stone repair guide for further information.

Lime Pointing – Many buildings in Edinburgh have been pointed in very hard cement over years which can accelerate the decay of the masonry units.  We have many skilled stonemasons in Edinburgh who have extensive knowledge to understand the best materials to use. We ensure that we match the original material and style of pointing.

Read our lime pointing guide for more information.

Boundary Walls – Stone boundary walls require more frequent maintenance and repair.  Therefore please read more information about boundary walls here .

Loose or Unsafe Masonry – You should carry out a building inspection to your building every 3 – 5  years to ensure that it’s safe, remove any unsafe masonry and while carrying out repair work also replace where applicable.

You can watch our videos on inspections here or you read about unsafe masonry here 

Looking for High-Level Building Maintenance? If so we work closely with ESM