Stone Restoration
Cantuaria Stonemasons are experienced stone restorers. Bill and Alan have over 50 years experience in the field between them. Over the years we have restored various parts of churches & historic buildings across Kent and beyond.
The restoration of any stone involves the cleaning, repairing and conserving of masonry using gentle, approved methods such as lime repointing, stone repair and specialist low‑pressure cleaning.
Restoration usually involves several coordinated steps:
- Condition assessment - Our experts inspect the type of stone, its decay and any structural issues and environmental damage
- Gentle stone cleaning - We use approved low‑abrasion systems such as water sprays, steam cleaning to remove dirt, algae and pollution without harming the stone
- Repointing with lime mortar - Damaged mortar is removed and replaced with traditional lime mortar which is breathable and compatible with historic masonry, preventing water damage
- Stone repair or replacement - Cracked or eroded stones are patched and pinned or replaced with hand‑carved matching stone when necessary
- Consolidation & protection - Breathable protective treatments strengthen weakened stone while maintaining natural appearance
- Documentation & permissions - We always make sure that have the necessary documents with permissions and approvals in place when dealing with listed churches
Why Does Proper Stone Restoration Matter?
- Preserves historic craftsmanship and prevents irreversible loss of detail
- Prevents structural deterioration caused by moisture, frost, and pollution
- Maintains cultural and community value, keeping churches safe and beautiful for worship and visitors
- Meets legal requirements for listed buildings and conservation areas