Temple Leadworks rebuilt a deteriorating chimney at a listed property in Weston, Hertfordshire, where previous repairs using inappropriate materials had contributed to damage to the original structure.
The problem
The chimney had previously been repointed using sand and cement rather than traditional lime mortar.
Unlike lime mortar, the harder cement-based pointing had prevented moisture within the structure from escaping effectively. During colder weather, trapped moisture could freeze and expand, contributing to deterioration of the surrounding mortar and brickwork.
Over time, the condition of the chimney had deteriorated to the point where rebuilding was required.
Rebuilding with appropriate materials
Temple Leadworks rebuilt the chimney using traditional lime mortar, returning to a material compatible with the way the historic structure was originally constructed.
Lime mortar allows moisture to evaporate more readily from traditional masonry and is therefore particularly important when working with many older and listed buildings.
The work restored the chimney while addressing the problems caused by the previous cement-based repair.
The result
The completed chimney is once again structurally sound and weather-resistant, with traditional lime mortar providing a more appropriate repair for the historic building.
The before-and-after photographs show both the deterioration of the original chimney and the finished reconstruction.
Chimney repairs on listed and historic properties
Temple Leadworks undertakes chimney repairs, traditional lime-mortar repointing and complete chimney rebuilds, including work on listed and historic buildings.
