The right materials make a world of difference! The mortar used in historic masonry is different than the mortar that is commonly available today. The differences are not only aesthetic. Unfortunately, many masons do not realize the materials and methods they use for new construction are not appropriate for historic buildings and can cause extensive damage to them.
The image at left shows this c. 1910 fieldstone arch on a Shingle Style house some years after being repointed with an inappropriate standard modern mortar. It not only looks bad, it is cracking and crumbling and the stones are shifting their positions. Left uncorrected, the arch will become unstable due to the wrong mortar being used.
The image at right shows the same arch with the inappropriate mortar removed and replaced by an appropriate custom mix of natural cement and aggregate matching that in the historic mortar remaining on the building.
Learn how and why to do repair and restoration work on historic masonry appropriately in “Restoring Your Historic House, The Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners.”
The 720-page award-winning and best-selling hardcover book is available in bookstores nationwide and from online retailers.
Signed and personalized copies are available directly from the author in the shop on this page, https://yourhistorichouse.com/shop/.
Bookstores can order copies from W.W. Norton.
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