Guide
Repointing and stone repair for Edinburgh tenements
Repointing replaces failed mortar joints in stonework. On Edinburgh's sandstone tenements the mortar should be softer than the stone, so moisture escapes through the joint rather than through the face of the stone. Hard cement pointing traps water and accelerates decay. Repointing is specialist work and is often shared property.
How do I know pointing has failed?
A few signs show up before serious damage does.
- Mortar crumbling or falling out when touched.
- Deep recessed joints with gaps behind them.
- Damp patches inside on an external wall.
- Green algae or persistent wet streaks on the stone.
- Stone faces flaking or spalling away.
Why is cement mortar a problem?
Cement is harder and less permeable than sandstone. Water that cannot leave through the joint leaves through the stone instead, taking the face with it in frost. That is why lime-based mortars are used on traditional buildings.
What does the work involve?
Old mortar is raked out carefully to a sound depth without damaging the arrises. Joints are cleaned and dampened, then filled and finished to match the surrounding work.
Can decayed stone be repaired instead of replaced?
Sometimes. Small losses can be cut out and pieced in with matching stone. Badly decayed blocks are better replaced than patched.
Who pays in a tenement?
External walls are usually common property, shared between owners under the title deeds or the Tenement (Scotland) Act. Agree the scope with the other owners before commissioning work.
Do I need consent?
Listed buildings and conservation areas often do, and Edinburgh has many of both. Check with the City of Edinburgh Council before any facade work.
Official guidance
How Carpathian Craft can help
Stone is Constantin's specialism, with 29 years behind it. We repoint, piece in and rebuild stonework around Edinburgh.
We give a free, no-obligation written quote. The price we quote is the price you pay.