Historic Mortars

Architects, restoration experts and conservators involved in the repair or replacement of eroded parts of historic buildings frequently require to know the make-up of old or even ancient mortars, renders and plasters - without recourse to the costly techniques used by some researchers and archaeologists.

Consulting engineers involved with structural repairs and alterations to old buildings similarly need knowledge of mortar compositions together with assessments of their likely strengths.

However, the assessment of old mortars is not simply a routine matter of applying the British Standard method of mortar analysis (BS 4551). In fact, considerable detective work is required in the interpretation of the analytical data, coupled with thorough knowledge of the materials that might have been used at the time.

Over many years Sandberg have developed an acknowledged reputation in this specialised area and hold a Commission from English Heritage for this work.

Assessment has been carried out of mortars from many important buildings at home and abroad, a few of the better known UK examples being: -

• Alexandra Palace
• Kenwood House
• Palace of Westminster
• Marlborough House
• County Hall, London
• Hadrian's Wall
• Natural History Museum
• Corfe Castle
• Hampton Court Palace
• St Paul's Cathedral