Preserving South Australia’s Heritage
Chimney repointing by Adelaide stone mason Robert Elphick at Cowandilla
Chimney restoration at Islington Railyards involved removing and replacing deteriorated bricks caused by falling damp. The brickwork has been repointed with lime mortar, and a rendered flaunching has been added to allow for water runoff. Additionally, stainless steel mesh has been installed to prevent bird nesting.
Chimney repair and repointing at Cowandilla
Stainless steel capping has been installed on the disused chimney to prevent drafts, thereby reducing the household's heating energy consumption. This capping also prevents birds from nesting within the chimney. Stainless steel capping is far superior and lasts a lifetime, whereas galvanized sheeting typically lasts only about eight years.
Stainless steel capping has been installed on the disused chimney to prevent drafts, reducing the household's heating energy consumption. This durable capping also prevents birds from nesting in the chimney. Compared to galvanized sheeting, which lasts about eight years, stainless steel capping is far superior and lasts a lifetime.
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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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