Services

TRADITIONAL STONE WORK

  • RE-POINTING STONE

Maintenance is essential maintenance for the upkeep of historic masonry structures. Mortar degrades in time and will need to be replaced ("re-pointed") to ensure the integrity of the stone construction. We can help with re-pointing your stone foundation, inside and out, and offer historic lime mortars as well as modern Portland formulas.  This keeps water out and prevents movement. It also increases insulation by sealing out drafts. Its time to re-point if you notice "sandy" joints, or extensive cracking, or mortar falling out in pieces. We perform a thorough, deep re-pointing ~ removing all the failing mortar, packing new mortar deep into the wall, and using stone chips to fill any larger voids. This is a structural endeavor as well as a decorative one, and goes much farther than just putting a "crust" on the old work. (*Please Note: We do not typically undertake brick repointing projects unless of an intriguing / historic nature.)

  • RE-BUILDING STONE

Once a stone structure is too far gone, it will need to be rebuilt. If a wall goes for too long without re-pointing, the stones will start to settle down on each other as gravity does its work. Depending on how the wall was built, they may start falling out. Once stones start falling out of a wall, it should be attended to post-haste to ensure the structure is not lost. We can rebuild structures by numbering and re-laying the stones, or by using new stone if the old ones are degraded.

New Exterior Installations

  • FLAGSTONE & PAVERS

Flagstone patios and new paver walkways can increase the value of your home and enhance your enjoyment of your outdoor spaces.  There are many excellent concrete paver products available now that even rival the beauty of stone, for a reasonable price. We use the best base preparation techniques to assure a well-installed patio.  We can also help rehab existing installations that have degraded or been damaged.

  • DRY-STACK WALLS (NEW OR REPAIR)

Non-mortared walls are their own art form, like a puzzle. We assemble the stones so they are pleasing to the eye and structurally sound. These walls can last a long time without the expense of a traditional mortared wall and are great for low terracing, garden / bed retention, or property borders.

  • STONE SCULPTURE, ARCHES & PILLARS

We welcome your creative input, or can help you design something unique that will accent your garden or property.

Historic Restoration 

  • VICTORIAN PORCHES

Reconstruction - The porch gives great character to a house, but over the years many homes have had their porches poorly modified or "updated". We can help you restore the original work and can do the research necessary to design your porch with the correct period details.

Repairs - Missing balusters? Rotted railings? Deteriorating flooring? We offer repair services for all these areas and more.

  • SUMMER KITCHEN, OUTBUILDING, or ICE HOUSE REPAIRS

These types of structures often get neglected and end up being razed or torn down. There are few of these structures remaining and if you have one, we can help you save a little part of history while regaining some extra use value.

  • WOOD WINDOW AND DOOR RESTORATION

Original windows and doors are essential to retaining the historic fabric. Don’t fall for the lies of replacement window companies who tell you your windows are unsalvageable. With rare exceptions most can be rehabilitated and restored to draft-free functionality. Its not an inexpensive process because it requires a lot of time and work, but it is worth it. Remember, “maintenance free” means cannot be maintained!

Interior Work

  • KITCHENS & BATHS

We offer expert tile installations for floors and kitchens, custom showers, and full remodels. We especially enjoy unique or challenging designs.

  • PLASTER REPAIRS

If your house was built with "horsehair" plaster, it should be saved if at all possible, as it contributes significantly to the design of the house's envelope. However, holes and damage can be difficult for a homeowner to fix. We can repair cracked plaster walls and ceilings, as well as holes, missing plaster or other damage using traditional lime mortar and historically accurate animal hair for structural stability.

Triage consulTations

  • We are well-versed in traditional house construction and can perform full interior and exterior consultations of your house. Let us be your trained eyes to help identify trouble spots and issues before they become expensive problems. We can provide simple annual routine maintenance inspections or come up with a full comprehensive triage so you can confidently plan more extensive repairs.

What We don't do

  • Chimney / fireplace repairs or any re-pointing of exterior chimneys

  • Roofing / gutters / flashing

  • New brick work or brick repointing (except in special circumstances)

  • Cinder block laying or repointing for walls or foundations

  • Asbestos tile removal