Church Pinnacle Repair
Cracked sections of church pinnacles cut out and replaced, after corroding historic iron pins split the stone from the inside.
The brief
The pinnacles had cracked. The cause was not the stone but the historic iron pins set into it — as iron corrodes it expands, with enough force to split the stone around it. Replacing the cracked sections without dealing with the iron would only have bought a few years.
What we did
- Identified the cracked sections and the corroding pins behind them
- Cut new stone to match the existing pinnacle profiles
- Removed the failed sections and the historic iron
- Fixed the new stone with non-corroding fixings so it cannot happen again
The result
Sound pinnacles, repaired at the cause rather than the symptom — with the cracked stone replaced and the iron that split it gone for good.
Questions about this kind of work
Why use lime mortar instead of cement?
Older and traditionally-built stone needs to breathe. Cement traps moisture against the stone, which leads to damp and accelerated decay. Breathable lime mortar lets moisture move out of the wall and stays softer than the stone, so it’s the mortar that weathers rather than the masonry. We match the mix to the building.
Do you work on listed and historic buildings?
Yes. We carry out stone and masonry works to listed and historic buildings, planned and documented to suit conservation requirements, and we’re happy to work alongside your architect, surveyor or conservation officer.
Do you work with contractors and architects?
Yes. Alongside private homeowners, we work as a subcontractor for main contractors and on architect- and church-led heritage projects. We are comfortable working to a defined spec and schedule, and keeping communication clear throughout.
How do you price and scope work?
Clearly. You get a scope that sets out exactly what is included and what is not, so there are no nasty surprises at the end. If something needs to change once the work is opened up, we tell you before we do it.
How do I get a quote?
Get in touch with a few details — and photos if you have them — and we’ll arrange to come and see the work. Quotes are free and come with a clear scope of what’s included, along with a note of anything that might change once the work is opened up. Send us your details to get started.
How long will the work take?
It depends on the job and the weather — lime work in particular needs the right conditions to cure properly. We’ll give you a realistic timescale with the quote and keep you updated as the work progresses.