Farnham, Petworth

Bargate Stone, Lime Mortar Repointing, Stonework Walling, Drystone Walling, Barry Brown, Andrew Bosley, York Stone Paving Repointing, Simply Stonework, Stone Work Paving, Midhurst Stone, Clunch, Purbeck Walling, Indian Sandstone Paving, Haslemere, Godalming, Bargate stone has been quarried in Surrey since the twelfth century, most quarries were around Godalming and Hascombe where early sources term it as "Burgate" thus relating to Burgate House in Hascombe. The stone was widely used around the Godalming and Guildford areas and was favoured because it was a highly durable stone. Unfortunately many properties have been repointed with cement mortars causing the stone to deteriorate. Simply Stonework has worked on numerous restoration projects, repointing or rebuilding using lime mortars. As a country, we have largely forgotten about hydraulic lime in the building industry. Cement had displaced lime mortar as it offered a quicker set and apparently, greater strength. In building terms, this coincided with the appearance of construction joints, damage to old masonry or soft stones due to the hardess of cement mortars. Hydraulic lime mortar is particularly useful in the repair of old buildings and garden walls. It is porous and flexible and allows the building fabric to move and breathe. It can also be used in new build projects. While other building companies still use cement mortars, we have gained valuable experience with lime mortar and it's applications.