Conservation

T J Ferris Stonemasonry offer our services to Conservation Architects, Trusts & Bodies and a range of private clients looking to preserve and protect historic buildings. With a wide range of in-house skills and a select group of specialist suppliers providing everything from initial specialist Consultancy services through to the complete delivery of complex Conservation and Restoration projects.

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Advisory works and Consultancy

Emergency on-site response following collapse/fire/flood etc

Hands on specialist conservation and restoration works

Undertaking works as both main contractor and specialist sub-contractor

Preventative Conservation

Preventative conservation is the introduction of non-interventional measures and actions aimed at avoiding and minimising future deterioration or loss. These measures and actions are indirect – they do not interfere with the materials and structures of the items and do not affect or change their appearance. A preventative conservation approach can often relate to the management of the immediate environment (light, humidity, pollution and pest control), but can include education of staff on care and maintenance as well as public awareness.

Preventative Works

Often the key to preventive works is managing the impact of environmental factors, including the removal of moss and algae’s – which may harbour moisture and exacerbate decay.

Remedial Conservation

Remedial Conservation relates to all actions directly applied to a building aimed at stopping or slowing the current damaging processes it is subject to. Remedial actions are only carried out when the buildings fabric is in such a fragile condition or is deteriorating at such a rate, that they could be lost in a relatively short time. These interventions are intended to be minimal but may sometimes effect on the appearance.

Remedial Works

Most of our work in this area revolves around the removal of inappropriate mortars and repairs. Cement was used in such abundance over the last 100 years and most of our work now requires its removal and replacement with a more appropriate lime mortar.

Each specific project has its own challenges and whilst there is not a rigid set of rules to adhere to in conservation, we try to apply the following general philosophy of approach to our work.

Minimal intervention is adhered to as much as possible.
Any intervention should be reversible wherever possible.
Like for like repairs where possible will be carried out and any new materials introduced, kept to an absolute minimum.
New repairs should not disturb the aesthetics of the architecture, but under scrutiny from a specialist should be visible.
Documentary evidence should be used wherever possible when carrying out replacements or repairs to avoid speculative work.
Care should be taken not to over clean a building or object to retain an air of historic integrity
Historic repairs where not causing damage to the building or object may be retained

Built a new porch on the front of the house . Foundations, block work walls and traditional timber roof with slates. Happy with finished building.

Neil , 16th November 2019

Repaired external stairs – work was completed with excellent masonry skills, on time and within budget. What else can you ask for. Highly recommend you use Tom Ferris Stonemasonry.

Shirly Crolla

I have commissioned both small and large stonework projects from the firm and I have always been impressed by the quality of the work. I would not hesitate to use their services again.

David Campbell, 16th November 2019

Tom and his team recently finished a number of stone and building repairs at my house and I cannot recommend them enough. The job was complex yet Tom and his team provided me with a comprehensive estimate and plan which was followed through keeping us in budget. The craftsmanship was first class and Tom’s team were professional, courteous and tidy throughout. I could not be more happy with the job.

Stephen Weir, 3rd November 2023

Very pleased with the work. Polite and informative, thorough and tidy work. Would use again without hesitation.

John Young

I have experience of T J Ferris Stonemasonry’s work both in repair and new stone build. The quality of their workmanship is excellent. They have built a new stone wall for me personally and we are very pleased with it. They have also repaired our Georgian garden wall. TJ Ferris Stonemasonry have undertaken repair work, at a competitive cost, on the Category A listed ancient monument of Coldingham Priory – treating 13th century stonework to reduce porosity and repairing Victorian weathered sandstone.

David, Coldingham

T J Ferris Stonemasonry is a reliable and competent business. I would not hesitate to recommend it.

E Carr

Prompt, friendly and business like, Thomas checked out, assessed and estimated for repair of a dangerous broken step at the bottom of our common stairwell. Ahead of schedule and, at short notice, he resolved our problem to everyone’s satisfaction. TJF Stonemasonry is local to the Canongate and we would be more than happy to avail ourselves of their splendid services again. Highly recommended.

Alexandra Wallace, 2nd May 2021

Case Studies

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Coldingham Priory

Ayton Castle, Dovecot

Tweedmouth Parish Church

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Make An Enquiry

We consider projects of any size and type, from large-scale architectural renovations to internal works in modern homes. To find out more or to obtain a quotation please complete the enquiry form or contact Tom by phone or email.