Preserving South Australia’s Heritage
My Approach
Hi, I’m Robert Elphick, a devoted family man and trade-qualified Adelaide Stonemason with over 15 years of experience. Specialising in heritage stonemasonry, I hold a certificate in Stonemasonry, Carving, and Letter Carving. My expertise includes stone and brick repointing, fixing salt damp issues, and providing wall, chimney, and cellar restorations.
As a father of two young daughters, I deeply understand the importance of preserving our heritage for future generations. I take great pride in delivering a personalised approach to every project, ensuring each one is tailored to meet the unique needs of the individual customer. I recognise that every heritage property is distinctive, and my commitment to providing that personal touch ensures your vision is brought to life with precision and care.
My dedication to the craft goes beyond restoration—it’s about honouring the legacy of each structure. Whether it’s reviving weathered facades or meticulously repointing intricate stonework, I approach each project with the utmost reverence for its history and significance.
Experience the difference that expertise and passion can make with Set in Stone Masonry. Let me breathe new life into your heritage property while preserving its authenticity for generations to come.
Services
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Repointing
Specialising in repointing, we excel in the art of using traditional lime mortars. Whether it's Tuck pointing, Cut and Struck repointing, Fine line or Ribbon pointing, my expertise spans a spectrum of techniques, meticulously tailored to preserve and enhance the structural integrity and aesthetic allure of your property.
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Salt Damp
Our expertise includes addressing salt damp, providing comprehensive solutions to combat moisture damage and preserve property integrity. From thorough assessment to tailored treatment plans, we ensure your home remains resilient against salt damp, safeguarding its longevity and beauty.
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Stone and Brickwork
We specialise in a comprehensive range of stonework services, crafting new stone builds and expertly repairing damaged stone. From walls, chimneys, and cellars to intricate detailing, we ensure structural integrity and timeless beauty, preserving your property's enduring charm.
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Wall, Chimney and Cellar Restoration
Whether it's falling damp deteriorating chimney brickwork or rising damp leading to salt efflorescence and decay, Set in Stone Masonry rectifies these issues, preserving your chimney and cellar for decades, ensuring their enduring integrity and charm.
Providing services to a majority of Metropolitan South Australia
Your premier choice for heritage preservation and restoration across Metropolitan South Australia. From the bustling streets of Adelaide's CBD to the serene coastal beauty between Semaphore and Brighton, and from the charming suburbs of Unley and Norwood to the scenic foothills of Belair and Blackwood, my service extend far and wide covering 340 square kilometers.
At Set in Stone Masonry, I take pride in our ability to serve diverse communities and I’m dedicated to providing unparalleled craftsmanship and personalised attention to detail.
Whether you're seeking restoration for a historic stone house in Magill; or repointing services for a property in Flinders Park, Set in Stone Masonry is here to meet your needs with expertise and passion. Experience the difference of working with a trusted partner committed to preserving the heritage of your property, one stone at a time.
Contact Rob today for a quotation.
Frequently asked questions
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Repointing is the process of renewing the external part of mortar joints in masonry construction. Over time, mortar can deteriorate due to weathering and age, leading to cracks and gaps. Repointing involves removing deteriorated mortar and replacing it with fresh mortar, enhancing the structural integrity and appearance of the masonry.
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Lime mortar is a traditional building material made from limestone, water, and sand. Liime mortar cures through a slow process of carbonation, allowing it to flex and accommodate movement in historic buildings without causing damage. This flexibility, along with its ability to allow moisture to evaporate, makes lime mortar ideal for historic structures, as it helps to prevent damage from trapped moisture and preserves the integrity of the building fabric over time.
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Using cement as a building material can lead to significant issues, primarily due to its impermeability. Cement traps moisture within walls, creating an environment conducive to mold growth and structural decay. Additionally, trapped moisture can cause salt buildup, resulting in a phenomenon known as salt attack, which further exacerbates deterioration. As a result, avoiding the use of cement can help prevent these detrimental effects and maintain the long-term integrity of buildings.
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Salt damp, also known as rising damp or moisture ingress, occurs when groundwater rises through porous building materials such as brick, stone, or mortar. As the water evaporates, it leaves behind soluble salts, including nitrates and chlorides, which accumulate on the surface. Over time, these salts absorb moisture from the air, leading to further dampness and deterioration of the building fabric. Factors such as inadequate damp-proofing, damaged or missing flashing, poor ventilation, and the use of impermeable materials like cement can exacerbate salt damp issues.
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Typically any house built before the early 1900s will be of heritage value to the state of South Australia whether it is currently listed or not and should be preserved. The SA Heritage Places Database is a searchable database of all currently listed State and Local heritage listed places. Set in Stone Masonry works on all types and ages of stone and old red brick buildings including new builds, walls and paving.
Blog
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![Adelaide Stonemason Robert repointing with Lime Mortar on Heritage Sandstone Wall at Blackwood, Adelaide, South Australia]()
The Art of Repointing
Repointing is the process of renewing the mortar joints between bricks, stones, or other masonry units. Over time, mortar can deteriorate due to exposure to the elements, leading to cracks, erosion, and weakening of the structure. Repointing addresses these issues by removing damaged mortar and replacing it with fresh mortar, rejuvenating the masonry's strength and appearance.
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![Salt Damp to Bluestone wall at Burnside, Adelaide, South Australia]()
Salt Damp and How to Fix It
I've faced a formidable challenge that silently corrodes the splendor of historic stone houses: salt damage, otherwise known as salt damp. These architectural wonders, soaked in history, endure a continuous assault from soluble salts that infiltrate the stone and surrounding mortar. Rising damp from groundwater and falling damp from rainwater introduce these salts, leaving behind crystalline residues as moisture evaporates.
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![Cement based mortar causing salt damp issues on sandstone wall at Blackwood, Adelaide, South Australia]()
The Pitfalls of Cement-Based Mortars in Stone Buildings
I've faced a formidable challenge that silently corrodes the splendor of historic stone houses: salt damage, otherwise known as salt damp. These architectural wonders, soaked in history, endure a continuous assault from soluble salts that infiltrate the stone and surrounding mortar. Rising damp from groundwater and falling damp from rainwater introduce these salts, leaving behind crystalline residues as moisture evaporates.
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![chimney restoration at Islington Railyards, Adelaide, South Australia]()
Crumbling Chimneys
Chimneys, with their timeless charm and practicality, have been a fixture in homes for centuries. However, the passage of time and exposure to the elements can take a toll on these essential structures, leading to deterioration. In this blog post, we'll explore the ins and outs of chimney deterioration, uncover its root causes, and delve into effective methods for remediation and preservation.
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