This 2 day workshop aims to provide an introductory guide to the use of a range of lime and other traditional binders for the effective conservation and repair of traditional masonry.

Another popular SLCT course is this 2-day workshop for building professionals and provides an introduction to the effective conservation and repair of traditional masonry structures and buildings, for the most part using traditional lime based mortars.

By the end of the course attendees will be able to recognise vernacular and historic finishes to masonry buildings and will gain an understanding of building diagnostics in order to be able to develop specifications in relation to exposure, season, substrates and the nature of masonry repairs required.

*P1 is a pre requisite course for our Masonry Building Conservation- Principles and Techniques P2-Professional Level 2. You can get £100 discount if you book P2 within 2 weeks of completing P1 or book at the same time. Contact our admin team to avail of this offer.
Course Suitability

This course is aimed at those who work with, own or are responsible for traditional buildings. Suitable for building and heritage professionals such as architects, surveyors or planners the course would also be of interest to homeowners, those responsible for maintenance works to traditional buildings or those considering a renovation or conversion project. We are always happy to help learners choose the right course. Please contact us if you would like to discuss which course is suitable for you.
Learning Outcomes:

Ability to determine best practice for the effective conservation and repair of traditional masonry buildings;
Understanding of analysis techniques to best match and specify mortars for repair work;
Ability to create repair strategies for repointing works;
Understanding of the setting characteristics and aftercare required for successful curing of traditional mortars.

Topics include

Historic use of limeand other traditional binders;
Understanding traditional building repair;
Recognising vernacular and other finishes to masonry walls;
Build and fire a lime kiln to produce building lime;
Understanding lime binders, sands and aggregates;
Making accurate mortar mixes including hot mixed lime mortars;
Setting characteristics of traditional mortars.
Techniques of working;
Inspecting masonry;
Using the right tools;
Preparation of masonry joints;
Repointing masonry and joint finishing;
Protection and curing of work.

Learn the skills to help you carry out your own mortar pointing repairs.

Would you like to undertake repointing works as part of a renovation project or simply as general maintenance to traditional masonry structures?

This practical 'hands on' training day will give participants the skill to undertake repointing works with confidence.

This course will provide a sound understanding of traditional building technology, repair techniques and the materials to use when carrying out repointing.

Attendees are encouraged to bring along images of their projects to discuss with the SLCT tutor on the day.

Click here to download PDF copy of the course description (40.5 KB)
Course Suitability

This course is aimed at those who own or are responsible for a traditional building.

Also suitable for those responsible for maintenance works to traditional buildings or a renovation and conservation project.

We are always happy to help learners choose the right course. Please contact us if you would like to discuss which course is suitable for you.
Learning Outcomes

Ability to recognise original lime mortars and later inappropriate cement mortars
Ability to proportion out accurately sand and lime binders
Understand how joints and beds should be prepared to receive new lime pointing
Ability to apply lime mortars with pinning stones into prepared joints and beds
Understand the curing conditions required for lime mortars to harden

Course Programme

Health and Safety issues
Introduction to traditional buildings
Historic use of lime mortars
Understanding the range of binders, sands and aggregates for traditional mortars
Mortar Mixing
Preparing masonry joints
Techniques of working
Placing of mortar for repointing
Joint finishing
Curing and protection regimes

Two day introductory course aimed at contractors and those with trowel skills, - this practical workshop will provide attendees with a strong understanding of lime technology and how to approach re-pointing work in traditional buildings. One of our popular courses, this practical workshop will provide attendees with a strong understanding of lime technology and traditional mortars. The reasons for using traditional mortars on solid walls will also be explained, to allow you to better advise your clients. The course will guide participants to be able to complete repointing work to traditional buildings to a high standard.