A stonemason specialises in repairing, restoring and building structures using natural stone. This can include repairing damaged masonry, rebuilding stone walls, replacing damaged stone and repointing mortar joints to maintain the strength and appearance of traditional buildings.

Common signs include cracked stone, loose masonry, deteriorating mortar joints, damp patches around walls or windows and sections of wall that appear to be moving or leaning. Contact us (/contact-us)if you have any of these issues or would like some professional advice.

In many cases stone can be repaired using specialist masonry techniques such as indent repairs or stone restoration. Severely damaged stones may need to be replaced to maintain the structural integrity of the wall.

Lime mortar pointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar between stone joints and replacing it with breathable lime mortar. This helps protect traditional stone buildings by allowing moisture to escape naturally.

Cement mortar is too hard for many traditional stone buildings and can trap moisture inside the wall. Lime mortar is breathable and flexible, which helps prevent damage to the surrounding stonework.

When carried out correctly, lime mortar pointing can last many decades. The lifespan depends on factors such as exposure to weather and the condition of the masonry.

Yes. Hard cement mortar can trap moisture within the masonry and cause the surrounding stone to deteriorate over time.

Stone walls can deteriorate due to weather exposure, movement in the ground, failing mortar joints or previous poor repairs.

Yes. In most cases the wall can be carefully dismantled and rebuilt to restore its strength and stability.

Some traditional dry stone or boundary walls have minimal foundations, but structural stone walls generally require proper foundations to ensure stability.

Cracks in masonry can be caused by ground movement, structural stress, weather damage or deteriorating mortar joints.

Small cracks may simply require repointing or localised repairs, but larger cracks can indicate structural movement and should be inspected by a professional stonemason.

A stone lintel is the horizontal stone above a door or window opening that supports the masonry above.

A cracked lintel can weaken the structure around the opening and may require repair or replacement to prevent further damage.

The cost of stone repairs depends on the extent of the damage, the type of stone and the access required. A site inspection is usually needed to provide an accurate quotation.

Yes. Douglas Masonry can inspect the stonework and provide advice and a quotation before any work begins.

The duration of masonry repairs depends on the size of the job and the condition of the stonework. Smaller repairs may take a day or two, while larger restoration projects can take longer.

Douglas Masonry provides stonemasonry services throughout the Scottish Borders including Kelso, Galashiels, Selkirk, Melrose, Jedburgh, Coldstream and surrounding areas.

Yes. Many of the projects carried out by Douglas Masonry involve repairing and restoring traditional stone buildings using appropriate materials and techniques.

You can contact Douglas Masonry through the website contact form,(/contact-us) by email or by phone to discuss your project and arrange an inspection if required. Phone number: 07368699927 Email: info@douglasmasonry.co.uk(mailto:info@douglasmasonry.co.uk)