Scope of Work

Pictured: Inchrory Lodge: during works.

LTM were commissioned to undertake remedial repairs to the external rubble stone masonry, including full repointing of the main Lodge and associated masonry works.

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Challenges and Considerations

Pictured: Deep voiding.

Inchrory Lodge was originally harled and limewashed to improve the building performance and appearance. These external coatings had been stripped, exposing the rubble masonry walls to the elements. LTM normally recommend the reinstatement of such finishes but the clients instructed the building to be pointed and not harled.

LTM therefore proposed a compromise whereby the pointing was finished flush with the rubble stonework, rather than recessed, as a means of ensuring the necessary weatherproofing ability of the walls.

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Solutions to Problems

Pictured: Pointing: before works.

The correct mortar specification is critical to achieve adequate weatherproofing of the building fabric. LTM Consultancy were therefore drafted in to provide technical advice on the mortar specifications for the masonry repair work. An assessment of the performance requirements of the repair mortars was carried out along with analysis of the original mortars to guide the repair specifications. In the end, a carefully designed ‘hot lime’ mortar mix gauged with Natural Hydraulic Lime (NHL) was selected as the most appropriate material for the job.

During the preparation work LTM masons identified a number of large internal voids, located deep behind the earlier, defective lime mortar pointing. A works strategy was quickly established to address these deep voids; they were deep packed and filled, minimising the threat of water penetration through the walls.

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