Restoration Mortars in Conservation Work Considerations and Compatibility

Abstract eng:
The use of mortars for stone repair on historic masonry buildings and structures is becoming increasingly more prominent in Scotland; the negative impacts of climate change on the built heritage combined with the current financial constraints imposed on many construction projects may be playing a role in the apparent increase in ‘plastic’ repairs to masonry. Traditionally lime mortars would have been used for carrying out such repairs but the knowledge and experience once employed to attain successful repairs of this type was somewhat dampened by the rise of readily available cementitious products during the 19 th century. A resurgence in the use of lime over the past few decades has undoubtedly played a role in the development of pre-batched, ready-to-mix ‘convenience’ stone repair products, collectively know as ‘restoration mortars’. Although boasting a range of user- and building-friendly characteristics such as ease of mixing, accelerated set and high breathability, concerns are raised over the universal approach taken by many restoration mortars; many products claim suitability for use on a wide range of compositionally diverse substrates including limestones, sandstones and brick. Recent research has revealed vast differences between two restoration mortars technically designed to fulfil the same role, and also highlights the impacts that varying site practices can have on material characteristics. Here, we highlight the need for a greater level of assessment focusing on the substrates to which mortars are applied. The results of this work will provide the foundations on which appropriate specification of restoration mortars can be based and will ultimately be used to help shape Historic Scotland’s advice and policies on the use of such materials.

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