This daunting job required the removal of an inappropriate surface covering and pointing in order to improve the performance of the building. Apart from the cleaning, skills included in this work were lime pointing of approximately 100m squared of brickwork in an ash mortar to match the original, lead work repairs to the stone copings on the gable wall, use of ochres and sealing of windows.
Bituminous paint covering
The bitumen could not be removed even by a usually proficient high steam machine. A special solvent had to be used to soften the material and the detritus removed with a pressure washer.
Completed works
Following cleaning, the elevation was raked out and repointed using a grey ash fat lime putty mortar and left with a brushed finish. The black strip at the base of the wall was formed by using a black, ochre solution which is not only natural and breathable but acted as a contrast with in this large area of repointing work and a match with the industry blackened coping stones and kneelers.
