Like the vanishing art of timber framing, the historical trades of brick and stone masonry laid with lime mortar is steadily moving into obscurity.  From ancient times masons have built everything from blacksmith forges to cathedrals with any number of variations of lime mortar.  Whether earth mortar, an aggregate made of sand, clay, and lime constructing castle walls, or a finish mortar composed simply of lime and sand detailing the Flemish Bond brickwork of Colonial America, such mixtures have been the “bedding agents” that have cradled stone and held fast clay bricks for millennia. 

  So too, like the mystery that surrounds the timber frame, much mystery surrounds the use and application of traditional masonry.  Lime mortar in its various forms is all but extinct today.  The knowledge base held since antiquity among masons of yesteryear is no longer commonplace and only the purists preserve this knowledge today.  Lime mortar in all its applications is not at all like the modern Portland based mortars in use today.  Nor are its methods of application.  Lime mortar, rightly understood and correctly applied, is a wonderful building aggregate that is time-tested and true to the historical integrity of most masonry pre-1900.  Unfortunately, our landscape is dotted with vintage brick and stone buildings that have been severely compromised by attempted repairs using modern methods and materials providing another example where, knowledge wrongly applied due to a lack of interest and or understanding, has done more harm than good. 

  Having laid thousands of cubic feet of Tennessee field stone, I understand not only the method of construction regarding this historical trade, I also understand the elements themselves and how a little thing like humidity can alter their properties on any given day.  I also know how traditional substrate, whether brick or stone, works in harmony with lime mortar and most importantly why caretakers of such historical structures should never attempt repair by modern methods using modern materials formulated for today's

homebuilding. 

  If you have been entrusted to the care of a historical structure built of or incorporating brick or stone, I invite you to contact me with any concerns you may have.  I’ll be glad to consult with you on any preservation work you may be considering.