If your bricks are crumbling, this is usually caused by trapped moisture; it makes its way through the brickwork instead of getting drawn out through the mortar joints. When moisture is present inside the masonry, it deposits minerals that have been drawn with it when it dries. These minerals form as salt deposits which make their way through the face of the masonry. If the issue is not rectified, then the brickwork starts to erode and crumble away. There are several reasons for brickwork to start crumbling, but the main issues are the use of non-permeable materials like cement-based mortars and masonry paints. Raised ground levels are also another cause of spalling brickwork. Your ground level should be at least 150mm below your original air bricks.
Heritage Bricklayers Yorkshire
Bringing Heritage Buildings Back to Their Glory Days
Local Heritage Bricklayers in Yorkshire
If you are looking for a professional, knowledgeable, and reputable heritage bricklayer with years of experience and countless successful projects, you came to the right place! The Yorkshire Lime Company are specialist heritage builders and heritage bricklaying contractors based in Yorkshire with extensive experience in repairing brickwork, and we pride ourselves on our traditional approach to brick restoration.
At the Yorkshire Lime Company, we understand that every brick repair project is unique, and we take pride in our craft to ensure that each restoration is carried out with the utmost care and attention. We use traditional materials and methods to ensure the repair matches the existing building fabric, which is crucial for a successful restoration. This attention to detail ensures that the repair matches the existing building fabric, which is crucial for a successful restoration.
We understand that every brick repair project is unique; therefore, we work closely with our clients to understand their requirements and offer advice and guidance to ensure that the restoration meets their needs.
If you have a brick restoration project, our building contractor team would be more than happy to discuss your requirements and provide you with a bespoke solution.
Heritage Bricklaying Contractors
Heritage brickwork is one of the most versatile and durable methods of construction. It is also one of the most labour-intensive. Heritage bricklaying contractors are highly skilled craftsmen who specialise in restoring historic buildings. Yorkshire is home to some of the oldest buildings in the UK, and these buildings must be maintained using appropriate materials and methods. The Yorkshire Lime Company are professional craftsmen who undertake traditional structure repairs and brickwork restorations on traditional and listed buildings across Yorkshire, so for more information on our period property work, get in touch today.
A modern bricklayer would use Portland cement-based mortar. Portland cement is a faster setting mortar, giving the bricklayer more time to keep building and less time tending to the work. However, this mortar type is not as flexible as lime and does not allow moisture to pass through it. Therefore it cannot be used on buildings with any movement or porous masonry, such as Victorian or Georgian houses.
The Victorians used coal grit, fuel ash and quicklime to create a black or dark grey mortar. The black mortar gave the bricks a seamless look when laid on 3mm to 6 mm mortar beds. Using coal ash and coal grit was a good way of recycling unused waste products at the time. When doing repair work, the mortar joints between the brickwork should be pointed using the same materials. The problem with this method is that it is very labour-intensive. It is also time-consuming and uses materials that are not always readily available. However, traditional brickwork has a timeless appeal and can add real character to a property. It is, therefore, worth considering if you want to create a traditional or heritage feel in your home.
Brickwork Restoration
We are heritage bricklaying contractors trained in traditional masonry structure repairs at the Yorkshire Lime Company and we ensure a high standard with every project we carry out. Having offered our Heritage bricklaying services throughout Yorkshire for many years, we have developed an excellent reputation for the quality of our work and customer service, as well as finishing our work in a timely manner.
We are your trusted builder of choice when it comes to preserving the craftsmanship and expertise required for the conservation of historic brickwork. With a reliable track record in the industry and a prime location that has witnessed centuries of architectural evolution, our team takes pride in offering a wide range of services. From meticulous repairs to cost-effective solutions, we provide helpful guidance and unparalleled workmanship that honours the heritage of the past while ensuring the longevity of these precious structures. Our commitment to excellence extends to controlling costs without compromising on quality, making us your ideal partner for all your heritage brickwork needs.
This means we can carry out various methods of the brick restoration including the below types and more.
Brick Repointing
Brick Repairs
Brick Replacement Using Lime Mortar
Brick Repointing
Repointing brickwork involves replacing the exterior portion of the mortar joint that holds the bricks together. It’s time to consider repointing if open joints can be seen around the mortar bed.
This involves chiselling the old cement between the brick joints and replacing it with new lime mortar, allowing the brickwork to breathe again. We offer a full consultancy service advising our clients on the best way to maintain their building fabric.
Photo 1 Raking out and pointing the brickwork on an Archway in Market Weighton.
Photo 2 Hot lime pointing at Westgate Unitarian Chapel as part of the Historic Action Zone Grant provided to the chapel by Historic England.
Photo 3 Lime pointing using hot mixed lime mortar in Drax, North Yorkshire.
Brick Repairs
Brick repairs can be done by mixing brick dust and lime and applying it over pitted brickwork or using another type of brick restoration mortar like St.One, formally known as lithomex. St.One can be colour-matched, applied, and carved to restore detailed Georgian brickwork.
We offer a full consultancy service to use the most appropriate approach.
Brick Replacement Using Lime Mortar
When it comes to replacing brickwork, using the correct type of lime mortar for the brick replacement is crucial to ensure the long-term preservation of the building.
When brickwork needs replacing, choosing a suitable lime binder is vital for achieving the best possible results. Non-hydraulic lime mortars are considered the best for brickwork repairs. Non-hydraulic limes have higher porosity and can remove moisture at a faster rate.
The type of sand used and the ratio of lime to sand can also affect the performance of the mortar, so it is vital to consult with a professional before making a final decision. The Yorkshire Lime Company is here to help.
Heritage Brickwork Repairs
When it comes to heritage brickwork repairs, the correct traditional skills and knowledge of historic mortars must be used to maintain the integrity of the brickwork. Sometimes, it may be possible to flip the bricks around so the damaged side is not visible. However, finding an appropriate match and replacing the damaged bricks may be necessary in other cases.
Regardless of the approach taken, ensuring that the original brickwork’s strength is not compromised is critical. It is vital to ensure that the wall can continue to function correctly. By carefully matching the skills and materials used, it is possible to preserve the integrity of heritage brickwork.
Heritage bricklayers are trained in traditional materials and methods and can carry out repairs that blend in with the existing brickwork. In some cases, it may be possible to reuse bricks from a demolished building; in other instances, matching bricks may need to be sourced. Using traditional methods and materials, heritage bricklayers can keep our built heritage alive for future generations. We always ensure complete projects that are of the highest standard.
Check Out Some of Our Completed Heritage Bricklaying Projects!
The Court A Grade II Listed Building Dated in the 1800s. Low Ackworth, Wakefield, West Yorkshire
The hot lime mortar pointing work and traditional masonry repairs on this grade II listed building in Low Ackworth were carried out with great care and attention to detail to preserve the heritage of the building.
Westgate Unitarian Chapel is A Grade II Star Listed Building Dating From The 1700s, Wakefield, West Yorkshire.
The Westgate Unitarian Chapel is a grade II star-listed building in Wakefield, England. Our work included Heritage skills training for ten Wakefield College students using traditional hot lime mortars. Additionally, we have done necessary restoration.
Carr Lodge/Sunroyd House A Grade II Listed Building Dated In The 1700s. Horbury, Wakefield
Located in Horbury, Carr Lodge required extensive brick replacement and repairs using lime mortar for pointing. Check the results.
Low Garth, High Street. Dated 1700s Whixley, Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Dating from the 1700s, the historic cobblestone building needed restoration. Using hot lime mortar, we achieved amazing results. Read more!
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Why Choose The Yorkshire Lime Company for Heritage Bricklaying Services in Yorkshire?
The Yorkshire lime company provides a Heritage bricklaying service dedicated to repairing and preserving the historic buildings of the Yorkshire region. We use only locally sourced materials, wherever possible, to match the existing brickwork and historic mortars perfectly. Our experienced bricklayers have all the relevant qualifications and experience to carry out traditional brickwork repairs using techniques passed down through generations. We are committed to protecting and preserving the area’s heritage for future generations. Contact us today to discuss your repair needs, and we will be happy to help.
Some of the main reasons why we believe that you should choose us for:
- We offer a range of heritage bricklaying services
- We have years of experience replacing heritage brickwork
- We’re well-known across Yorkshire for traditional masonry repairs
- We’re passionate about preserving Heritage buildings
- We’re competitively priced with other heritage bricklayers in the UK
The above points are just a few main reasons why we believe you should choose us for heritage bricklaying service in Yorkshire. For more information about us or any of our building services, please do not hesitate to get in touch. If you would like to know more about some of the common issues that plague listed buildings or why buildings are listed in the first place, our blog is full of useful information – check it out now.
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Frequently Asked Question On Heritage Bricklaying
Heritage bricklayers are specialist contractors with the necessary training to work on heritage buildings. They understand the importance of using compatible materials for repairs, matching the historic brickwork and using a variety of lime binders for different repairs. Heritage bricklayers are experienced in working on traditional masonry structures and use their skills and knowledge to carry out repairs that are sympathetic to the original building fabric. Using heritage brickwork techniques, they can carry out repairs that will not compromise the character or functionality of the building. Heritage bricklayers work closely with conservation officers and other heritage experts to ensure that the repair work is carried out to the highest standard and meets all the planning authorities’ requirements.
Choosing a heritage bricklayer for any repairs or replacements is crucial when it comes to heritage buildings. Heritage bricklayers have the experience and knowledge to identify the masonry and find a suitable replacement using compatible materials that match the original building fabric. This is essential to maintain the integrity of the heritage building. In addition, heritage bricklayers can also undertake other repairs, such as rebuilding unstable masonry, repairing self-supporting lintels and arches, and lime-pointing work. As such, choosing a heritage bricklayer is the best way to ensure that your heritage building is well-maintained.
If you have a heritage building with brickwork that is in need of repair, it is important to ensure that a heritage bricklayer carries out the work. These specialist tradespeople have the skills and knowledge to carry out repairs that will restore the brickwork to its former glory. The most common way to repair heritage brickwork is to remove the eroded bricks and turn them around, laying them on a bed of matching lime mortar. However, if the back face of the brick has deteriorated, a matching brick replacement or a surface repair using a porous repair mortar may be necessary. These mortars come in a variety of different colours, so it is important to choose one that will blend in with the surrounding brickwork. Heritage bricklayers have the expertise to carry out repairs that will maintain the integrity of your heritage building.
Heritage bricklayers work with various materials such as handmade bricks, slate, timber and stainless steel lintels. Heritage bricklayers also install stainless steel wall ties and fixings for structural repairs. Heritage bricklayers use a variety of lime binders depending on the masonry type and location. These binders range from lime putty and hot mixed lime mortars to eminently hydraulic limes, which are used for water works and below ground where porosity isn’t essential. A heritage bricklayer can identify the binder type and match the masonry used in the original building construction to enable a compatible repair.
If you own a listed building, you must ask the local council for building consent for any repairs. Your conservation officer will tell you if you can replace the original fabric. More than likely, they will suggest flipping the brick round or applying a surface repair mortar. Suppose the replacement of the brick is advised for the brick restoration. In that case, the new brick must match the functionality of the surrounding masonry, if the brick is too porous, it will decay faster than the surrounding masonry sacrificing itself instead of the mortar, and if the brick is not porous, it will transfer more moisture into the surrounding masonry by not allowing the wall to function correctly. Using non-porous masonry for porous wall repairs causes the surrounding bricks to erode.
