This is our most popular 2 day workshop for building professionals and provides an introduction to the effective conservation and repair of traditional masonry structures and buildings, for the most part using traditional lime based mortars.

By the end of the course attendees will be able to recognise vernacular and historic finishes to masonry buildings and will gain an understanding of building diagnostics in order to be able to develop specifications in relation to exposure, season, substrates and the nature of masonry repairs required. Click here to download PDF copy of the course description (49.0 KB) 

Course Suitability

This course is aimed at those who work with, own or are responsible for traditional buildings. Suitable for building and heritage professionals such as architects, surveyors or planners the course would also be of interest to homeowners, those responsible for maintenance works to traditional buildings or those considering a renovation or conversion project. We are always happy to help learners choose the right course. Please contact us if you would like to discuss which course is suitable for you.

Learning Outcomes:

Ability to determine best practice for the effective conservation and repair of traditional masonry buildings;

Understanding of analysis techniques to best match and specify mortars for repair work;

Ability to create repair strategies for repointing works;

Understanding of the setting characteristics and aftercare required for successful curing of traditional mortars.

Course Programme

Day 1

Health & Safety;

Historic use of limeand other traditional binders;

Understanding traditional building repair;

Recognising vernacular and other finishes to masonry walls;

Build and fire a lime kiln to produce building lime;

Understanding lime binders, sands and aggregates;

Making accurate mortar mixes including hot mixed lime mortars;

Setting characteristics of traditional mortars.

Day 2

Techniques of working;

Inspecting masonry;

Using the right tools;

Preparation of masonry joints;

Repointing masonry and joint finishing;

Protection and curing of work.