Lithomex Stone Repair

C. M. Slinger & Sons Ltd are CESA (Chaux et Enduits de St.Astier) Fully Accredited in the use of Lithomex for Stone & Brick Surface Repair.

C. M. Slinger & Sons Ltd undertake Lithomex Stone, Brick & Masonry Restoration Repairs in Yorkshire, Lancashire, Cumbria and further afield.

Lithomex is a specially formulated mortar based on Natural Hydraulic Lime and aggregates for the repair or simulation of masonry, brick or stone. This form of repair is also known as (Plastic Repair or Patch Repair) in the building industry. The mechanisms for masonry repair are varied, from environmental through acid rain and particulate pollution, to natural weathering and physical damage. The need for surface repair of masonry is undeniable. Surface repairs are as old as the buildings themselves. The practice of surface repairs could easily be described as dentistry for buildings, where the management of decay is undertaken with the minimum of intervention to retain as much as possible of the important historic fabric of buildings for as long as is practicable.

Surface repair products must have characteristics that are compatible with the background materials and the range of diversity of masonry types used throughout history for construction, this requires a flexible, adaptable range of products and properties. Vapour permeability, compressive strength, impact resistance, capillarity, and perhaps at least from a client's perspective, excellent colour matching. Introduced and in constant use in the UK since 1997 and on continental Europe for considerably longer, Lithomex products have gradually developed in scope and complexity to the extent that these materials have now been used on 4 continents and on major, prominent buildings.

The main visible characteristics of masonry is colour, Lithomex can be accurately colour matched with proven light fast pigments, taking into account surface texture and light reflection. At present several thousand computerised matches of masonry have been completed.

Lithomex repairs benefit the building and add value for the clients, reconstruction/ restoration of details such as the below, illustrate the value of surface repair, non-structural rehabilitation of an important element of the building's design without unnecessary wholesale removal and replacement of otherwise structurally perfectly good stone.

The photographs below are of a restoration project that we have recently undertaken restoring the façade of an early 17^th Century Farmhouse. At some point in time the masonry joints have been re-pointed with a strong sand and cement mortar.Over many years the cement pointing has trapped moisture within the wall causing significant decay to the surrounding masonry, especially the sandstone window surrounds, a cement rich slurry had been applied to the surrounds in an attempt to protect them, this has also lead to further trapped water and increased decay of masonry.

Whilst removing the defective cement pointing we uncovered areas of badly decayed stone, rather than removing and replacing most of the middle section, we in-filled and surfaced repaired with Lithomex. The colours were matched to the original cleaned back stone, and in time will weather and stain to match the existing. Weathering techniques can be applied to Lithomex if required. On completion we re-pointed with a Hydraulic Lime suitable for chimney stacks. 

Chimney Coping Stone Repair 

Stone Surface Repairs to 17th Century Window Surround 

Stone Surface Repairs to Window Surrounds 

Window Head & Mullion Repair. Cut Back, Colour match the exisitng stone, Re-form, tool and weather to match. 

Step Repairs using Lithomex Step Repair - Ribble Valley 

Window Surround Repairs - Craven, North Yorkshire 

Stone Plinth & Panel Repair 

Stone Panel & Surround Mould Repair

... 

Before & After Stone Window & Door Surrounds Repaired, West Witton,  Yorkshire Dales