Case Study: Heritage Lime Repointing of a Farmhouse in Marsh Gibbon
A large brick‑and‑stone farmhouse in Marsh Gibbon required a full conservation‑grade repointing programme to address failing cement mortar, moisture retention, and visible deterioration across several elevations. As with all historic buildings, the priority was to protect the original fabric, restore breathability, and reinstate the correct appearance using traditional materials and methods.
This project involved the careful removal of inappropriate hard cement, followed by the application of non‑hydraulic lime mortar, chosen specifically for its flexibility, breathability, and compatibility with the farmhouse’s mixed brick and stone construction. The result is a building that not only looks authentic to its period but is now able to manage moisture correctly, preventing long‑term damage.
Project Overview
Property Type
Large traditional farmhouse
Brick and stone construction
Historic rural setting in Marsh Gibbon, Oxfordshire border
Scope of Work
- Full elevation repointing
- Removal of hard cement mortar
- Non‑hydraulic lime mortar application
- Joint profiling and finishing by hand
- Brick and stone repairs where required
- Lime curing and protection
Objectives
- Restore breathability to the building
- Prevent moisture trapping and brick decay
- Reinstate traditional joint appearance
- Improve long‑term structural health
- Enhance the farmhouse’s original character
Assessment & Preparation
The existing mortar was a mixture of ageing cement and patch repairs, causing:
- trapped moisture
- spalling bricks
- salt deposits
- cracking around joints
A full survey confirmed that non‑hydraulic lime was the correct specification for this building. Its slow set, high flexibility, and vapour permeability make it ideal for mixed‑material farmhouses.
All cement was removed by hand, using controlled methods to avoid damaging the surrounding brick and stone. This stage is critical — improper removal can cause irreversible harm to historic masonry.
Lime Mortar Specification
The chosen mortar was a non‑hydraulic lime putty mix, blended with a locally appropriate aggregate to match the farmhouse’s original appearance.
Key benefits:
- Allows moisture to escape naturally
- Prevents future brick and stone decay
- Provides a softer, sacrificial joint
- Ages and carbonates in harmony with the building
- Creates an authentic, traditional finish
The mortar was applied in controlled lifts, compacted by hand, and finished with a brushed‑back texture to match the original tooling.
Repointing Process
1. Cement Removal
All cement was raked out to the correct depth using hand tools only. This protects the arrises of the brick and stone and avoids vibration damage.
2. Joint Preparation
Joints were cleaned, dampened, and prepared to ensure proper bonding with the lime mortar.
3. Lime Application
Non‑hydraulic lime mortar was applied in small sections, compacted firmly, and tooled to match the farmhouse’s historic finish.
4. Brushing Back
Once the mortar reached the correct firmness, joints were brushed back to expose the aggregate and create a breathable, traditional texture.
5. Curing & Protection
The building was protected from wind, sun, and rapid drying using hessian sheeting. Lime requires slow, even curing to carbonate correctly.
Before & After
The transformation was significant:
- Cement staining removed
- Damp issues reduced
- Brick and stone faces protected
- Traditional joint appearance restored
- The farmhouse’s character brought back to life
The building now performs as originally intended — breathing naturally, shedding moisture, and ageing gracefully.
Outcome
The Marsh Gibbon farmhouse is now fully repointed using correct conservation‑grade materials. The building is protected for decades, with joints that will weather naturally and can be maintained without damaging the historic fabric.
This project demonstrates the importance of using non‑hydraulic lime on traditional rural properties and showcases the craftsmanship required to work on mixed brick‑and‑stone buildings.
Related Heritage Resources
- Heritage Repointing
- Lime Mortar
- Conservation Standards
- Our Repointing Process
- Tools & Techniques
- Full Case Study Library
- Oxfordshire
- Surrey