Restoration

We have a rich history in restoring heritage properties across the whole of the UK. Projects range from the complete restoration of Grade A structures and listed buildings to dovecotes, churches, bridges, chimneys and estate walls.

Traditional Lime pointing
All aspects of Stonemasonry
Traditional Brick Laying
General Building Services
Lime Harling and Renders
Traditional Slate Roofing
Cast Iron Guttering
Sash & Case Window Repair
Undertaking works as both main contractor and specialist sub-contractor

When the combined action of water, frost & wind has degraded stone integrity, replacing parts of stones through ‘indemting’ repairs is often the selected repair strategy. However, there are circumstances where a mortar repair-mix may be more suitable. Understanding why and when to choose which repair, and the specification of the material must be in the hands of an expert

One aspect of care and maintenance of stone facades and buildings is cleaning. It is important that approved specialist techniques are applied, so that the stone is not damaged in the process.

Work may involve DOFF cleaning (ultra-high temperature & low volume steam) and may also include JOS or TORC type cleaning (dry, particulate based clean). Equally it could include use of specialist stone-approved cleaning agents and preventative measures.

Constituent parts of mortars must be selected deliberately and carefully, often needing colour matching. This is a vitally important part of correct maintenance work to existing facades, particularly historic or listed ones.

We have long developed techniques for conserving and restoring historic brickwork. These generally involve the removal of later inappropriate cement repairs/pointing which are the root cause of most damage. Once removed, our analysis allows us to recreate the closest possible match original material to safeguard works going forwards.

Often the cause of damage to brickwork is the use of later inappropriate cement which is harder than the brick. This can have a damaging effect by both preventing any movement flexibility resulting in fractures and causing any moisture to be drawn through the brick (rather than the joint) potentially exacerbating freeze/thaw damage.

Works can incorporate everything from pointing removal and replacement through to brick replacement. We work closely with traditional brick specialist reclamation yards to identify the closest possible match for any replacement works to match colour, size and texture

Stonework restoration and the conservation principles applied to it have always played a part at the centre of our business. With our dedicated team of experienced stone conservators, this role can come to the fore when required. Analysis of material plays a key role in this understanding.

Identifying stone and mortars. Detailing decay mechanisms. Chemical analysis undertaken to establish constituent parts and probable ratios to allow for close reproduction of historic mortars (matching colour, texture and permeability).

The front landing of our colony house was about to collapse and in need of urgent replacement. Several tradesmen looked at the situation but vey few appeared confident about being able to sort the problem. Luckily Thomas and his team were able to remove the old landing and rebuild in-line with the building and steps connecting. Work was swift and professional and the end result looks great as well as being both safe and solid.

Chris, 26th February 2021

I was made aware of T J Ferris Stonemasonry when I saw their work at Ayton Castle. I commissioned them to build a concave wall in my garden, which was completed within time and budget. Subsequently he has gone on to work on the Grade A listed walls on our estate. We would now use T J Ferris Stonemasonry as our first choice.

Brian, Eyemouth

Extensive renovation work carried out to walled garden, including replacement coping, re-point and replacement bricks where necessary to match existing.
Very pleased with the work carried out by TJ Ferris. From the beginning, Thomas was very helpful, which made the decision process easy and the end result is excellent.
Costs were slightly above the original estimate but I believe they were honest in their approach and would not hesitate to use again.

Factor Bonkyl Lodge , 24th May 2021

We have used Thomas and his team several times do undertake stonework and other external repairs at Abbeyhill Baptist Church in Edinburgh. The building is over 100 years old now and the stonework needed significant work. Thomas undertook this work to a high quality, and several neighbours commented on how quiet the work was despite stonework repairs taking place. We have subsequently used Thomas’ services for other repairs to the building and recommend his services highly.

Abbeyhill Treasurer

Great work carried out by a great team. Would highly recommend.

Andrina Robertson

Thomas was very responsive to what I wanted in terms of working with various pieces of old stone which I wanted to recycle as paving slabs around a lawn. Reliable and very pleasant and easy to communicate with. Stone looks great and I am very pleased with the work. No hesitation to recommend and I am hoping to use him again for another project.

Maureen, 31st July 2023

Thomas and his team re-built our boundary wall which had been blown over by Storm Arwen. They did a fantastic job over 3 weeks using re-claimed bricks, and the result matches in perfectly with the original wall built over 80 years ago. David did a brilliant job of moulding the coping so that it matched and fitted in with the original coping. They are such a professional team, turning up at 7.30am every day, always cheery and very hard working. We are very pleased with the finished product. We would highly recommend.

Andy, 18th May 2022

Thomas and his men repointed the front of our bungalow, repaired a stone widow sill and replaced some rendering. Despite the current covid situation causing a delay to the start of the work, the work was carried out efficiently and smoothly. I cannot fault the quality of the finish and the workmen were friendly and hard working. Overall we’re very happy to have chosen Thomas for the work.

Richard Kotas, 9th March 2021

Case Studies

Get In Touch

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.