Lime mortar repointing London home. Facade transformed, damp prevented
Pictured: The beautifully restored Victorian facade on Lavender Sweep, showcasing natural brickwork and lime mortar repointing by London Stonemasonry
This case study showcases the successful restoration of a Victorian multi-tenant property on Lavender Sweep in Clapham Junction, South West London. The London Stonemasonry team expertly addressed damp issues and structural deterioration caused by inappropriate materials and techniques used in the past.
By repointing with traditional lime mortar, replacing damaged bricks with reclaimed yellow bricks, and removing non-breathable paint, we transformed the facade while restoring the building’s functionality and appearance.
Before and after restoration photo
Pictured: The dramatic transformation of the property’s facade, with damaged bricks and cement pointing replaced by authentic materials and traditional lime mortar by London Stonemasonry
The challenge
The Victorian property had previously been repointed with a sand-and-cement mix and coated in a non-breathable paint, both of which contributed to significant structural and aesthetic issues. Damp was forming inside the building, resulting in weakened plaster and flaking, blistered paint. The external damage included deteriorating bricks and stone caused by moisture trapped within the masonry. Given enough time, the combination of trapped moisture and improper materials could have led to wet rot in the timbers embedded in the masonry.
Pictured: The Victorian property before restoration, with deteriorating bricks, cement pointing, and non-breathable paint causing significant damp and structural issues
This situation is a common challenge we encounter in older buildings. Unlike modern properties with cavity walls, Victorian buildings were constructed with solid walls designed to release moisture through permeable lime mortar. The introduction of non-permeable cement mortar and non-breathable paint disrupts this natural process, exacerbating damp and causing long-term damage.
Our solution
Pictured: We also made repairs to the stone detailing, including lintels, string courses, and floral capitals
To begin, scaffolding was erected to access all areas of the building safely. The first major task was removing the non-breathable paint. The property owners wanted the building restored to its original natural brick appearance, so we applied a specialist paint stripper in multiple applications. This careful process ensured the paint was removed without causing further damage to the brick and stone surfaces. Following the stripping process, the facade was thoroughly cleaned using a high-heat steam cleaning machine to prepare it for assessment and restoration.
The property was originally built with imperial yellow Gaunt bricks, and many had suffered damage due to moisture retention. Once the quantity of bricks needing replacement was agreed upon, matching reclaimed yellow Gaunts were sourced from our trusted reclamation yard partners. Using reclaimed materials is crucial for maintaining the authenticity and appearance of historic buildings.
(Note: We call them Gaunts at London Stonemasonry, but they’re also known as Gault bricks or Gaults. Why they are known as Gaults is hotly debated. The British Brick Society has an entire essay about it – here .pdf.)
Next, we addressed the cement pointing. As the building had been constructed with lime mortar, the inappropriate cement pointing had to be carefully removed using variable speed grinders. This tool provided precise control, ensuring the mortar was removed without causing unnecessary damage to the brickwork. After raking out the old mortar, a secondary cleaning of the facade was performed to ensure a clean surface for repointing.
Repointing with lime mortar was carried out using a mix that matched the original in both colour and texture. Before the work began, we had provided colour samples to the property owners for approval, ensuring they were satisfied with the final appearance.
In addition to brick restoration, repairs were made to the stone detailing, including lintels, string courses, and floral capitals on the bay windows. These features were then redecorated using a breathable masonry paint suitable for historic buildings, allowing moisture to escape while protecting the stonework.
The dramatic result
Pictured: The restored facade, featuring natural brick and stone detailing, completed by London Stonemasonry
The transformation of the property was dramatic. Internally, the damp issues have ceased, enabling the property owners to carry out durable interior repairs with confidence. Externally, the building’s appearance has been revitalised, and its structural integrity restored.
The entire project, including scaffolding, brick replacement, lime mortar repointing, and stone repairs, was completed in approximately seven weeks.
The property owners were extremely pleased with the outcome.
Pictured: A wider view of the transformed Victorian property, with damp resolved and architectural features preserved by London Stonemasonry
If your property is experiencing similar issues with damp or deteriorating masonry, contact London Stonemasonry today. Our experienced team specialises in restoring historic properties using traditional methods and materials. Let us help you preserve and enhance your building’s unique character.
See also
Project summary
London Stonemasonry restored a Victorian property on Lavender Sweep, Clapham Junction, SW11, resolving damp and structural issues. Tasks included lime mortar repointing, brick replacement with reclaimed yellow Gaunt / Gault bricks, paint removal, and stone repairs. The facade and interior integrity were dramatically improved.
