LIMESTONE REPAIR & LIMESTONE POINTING

At Bricks Fix WA we use our specialist hot wash machine to clean the limestone to remove staining before we start the limestone repointing and restoration services. This removes mould and staining from the limestone face. It is an important procedure of the limestone repair. This can bring the stone back to the original brand new look. Care has to be taken not to remove the face of the limestone.

Following this, we then carefully chop back the mortar or the lime joints to depth of around 40mm. The joint is then again jet washed to remove any loose debris, this is essential to give a good key for the new mortar or lime.

When repointing limestone it is very important to achieve the correct mix as problems can occur if the mix is too strong, this can result in the face being blown off the limestone. We have extensive knowledge in different mixes and products.

The mortar is then coloured using various methods either by mixing different coloured sands or oxides and applied to the joint. The joint than can be etched and left to your desired finish leaving a complete new look and restoration to your wall. Sealers can be applied that seal and bind the limestone but still allow it to breath.

We have over 35 years single experience (not the combination of all our employees) in this area of limestone repair, limestone repointing and restoration. Our team will travel across Perth for these services.

On completion of the project we leave your home or property spotless.

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**A beautiful time tested limestone building we had the pleasure to work on. The Perth Mint.**

What causes limestone to deteriorate?

Duralbility is limestones strengh. Although it can act like a spong and is extremley absorbant as it is Carbonate rock being reactive if it comes into contact with acidic rain. resulting in natural deteriation.

Why is the mortar falling out between your limestone blocks?

Fretting mortar is a common here in Western Australia in homes built between 1985 and 1995 some say there was a cement problem, others blame detergent placed in the mix for workabilty during the construction process. This is know as fretting as the mortar falls away.

Common causes are.

Natural ageing
The elements
Wind can act like a sandblaster especially on the coast.
Water especially reticulation should never be allowed to spray against your brick or limestone walls.
Poor construction
Incorrect mortar mix

Fretting mortar is caused when cement joints become damp or was an incorrectly mixed batch of mortar that was used during construction.

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Fretting Mortar

Its not difficult to recognise FRETTING BRICKS AND MORTAR inspect the mortar joints for crumbling mortar or a build up of powder at the base of the limesone wall.

When really advanced it is not unusual for a mortar joint to be completely missing. At this point it is time to call us for a free inspection and quote before serious structural damage occurs.It really isnt best to put a repair off as it can turn into a very expensive fix.

How to spot it !

Fretting mortar is pretty easy to spot. When you’re inspecting your external limestone have a look at the cement joints. If you see any crumbling or powdery mortar it’s a good indication that your mortaris fretting. In its advanced stages, the mortar will be almost completely missing. At that point, the rows of bricks/blocks may begin to collapse onto the bricks below.

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How to fix it…

Replace the mortar (also know as mortar pointing )

This will reintroduce the stability of your limestone wall and the fretting will cease to be a problem. A mortar suitable to your proximity to the coast must always be used

lime mortar(lime putty)
natural hydrated lime(nhl)
Brickies Grey Coastal Cement is ideal for 1 km from a surf coastline or up to 100 m from a non-surf coastline, e.g. estuary and coastal river zones. Walls in contact with saline water or the ground in aggressive soils.
Brickies Coastal liteis ideal1 km from a surf coastline or up to 100 m from a non-surf coastline, e.g. estuary and coastal river zones. Walls in contact with saline water or the ground in aggressive soils.

How do i know if my mortar is cement or lime?

Cement (portland) usually will contain small white pebbles, where there is a distinct different to the white chunks present in lime mortar. If you can scape the mortar pretty easily you may well be looking at a lime mortar. Lime will fizz in acid./vinegar. Obtain a small section of mortar and put it in white vinegar. If it fizzies it's most likely lime!

ALTERNATIVELY IF YOU ARE UNSURE YOU CAN ALWAYS HAVE IT PROFESSIONALLY TESTED. Which will determine the ratios of lime and sand in the mortar