Transforming a cottage
Pinkers is situated in the heart of the Conservation Area in Deal on the East Kent coast. Dating from the early 17th Century and said to be the oldest cottage in Middle Street, it was in need of sympathetic repairs to restore the external brickwork. The current owner was aware that his previous attempt at appointing a contractor to re-point the brickwork had not been entirely successful and he therefore contacted Dr Gerard Lynch, a respected academic on historical brickwork, www.redmason.co.uk to ask for his recommendation regarding a Kent-based specialist bricklayer. Dr Lynch put the owner in touch with Georgian Brickwork, and the restoration of the front façade of Pinkers began!
Work Undertaken:
The front façade was surveyed and a number of defective bricks were identified. Replacement bricks were sourced and once in place these bricks were tinted as necessary to ensure an even finish and good match to the original bricks. The existing pointing was removed across the whole front of the cottage, and the mortar joints were raked out to a depth of 25mm, to ensure strength and good adhesion. A sample of the original mortar was analysed to aid identification of an appropriate sand for the NHL 3.5 mortar mix. A brushed joint was used for the re-pointing and at the completion of the work parts of the front façade were soot-washed to give an aged appearance and blend it in with the surrounding cottages.
Charles & Tim have done a fantastic job on my little cottage. It has been transformed! Not only have they done a great job but it was just great to have them around and I learnt so much as they generously shared their extensive knowledge with me and carefully guided me through the process.
