Quoin: Heritage And Restoration Stonemasonry Explained
The term ‘quoin’ has its origins in the French word ‘coin’, which means ‘corner’. In the context of heritage and restoration stonemasonry, a quoin refers to the external angle or corner of a wall or building structure. These are typically formed by long and short alternating stones, known as ‘long and short work’. Quoins are […]
Repointing: Heritage And Restoration Stonemasonry Explained
Repointing is a critical aspect of heritage and restoration stonemasonry, a process that involves renewing the external part of mortar joints in a masonry construction. Over time, weathering and decay cause voids in the joints between masonry units, usually bricks, allowing the undesirable entrance of water. Water entering through these voids can cause significant damage […]
Veneer: Heritage And Restoration Stonemasonry Explained
Veneer, in the context of heritage and restoration stonemasonry, refers to a thin layer of stone applied to a surface to give it the appearance of solid stone construction. This technique has been used for centuries in architecture and construction, providing an economical and efficient way to achieve the aesthetic of stone without the need […]
Weathering: Heritage And Restoration Stonemasonry Explained
Weathering is a natural process that affects all types of stone, leading to changes in their physical and chemical properties over time. In the context of heritage and restoration stonemasonry, understanding weathering is crucial as it influences the choice of materials, techniques, and strategies for preserving and restoring historic structures. This glossary entry delves into […]
Architectural Heritage: Heritage And Restoration Stonemasonry Explained
The architectural heritage of a region is a testament to its history, culture, and civilization. It is a tangible representation of the past, providing a window into the architectural styles, materials, and techniques of different periods. Heritage and restoration stonemasonry is a crucial aspect of preserving and restoring this architectural heritage. This article delves into […]
Restoration Techniques: Heritage And Restoration Stonemasonry Explained
Stonemasonry is an ancient craft that has been practiced by humans for thousands of years. It involves the shaping and assembling of stone to create structures, monuments, and other architectural features. Heritage and restoration stonemasonry, in particular, focuses on preserving and restoring historic stone structures to their original condition. This article provides a comprehensive glossary […]
Rubble: Heritage And Restoration Stonemasonry Explained
Rubble, in the context of heritage and restoration stonemasonry, refers to the irregular, uncut, and often rough stones used in construction. This glossary entry delves into the intricate details of rubble, its historical significance, its role in restoration stonemasonry, and the techniques used to work with it. Understanding rubble is crucial for stonemasons, architects, and […]
Ashlar: Architectural Stonemasonry Explained
Ashlar is a term used in architectural stonemasonry to describe finely dressed stone blocks, typically cuboid, that are arranged in regular patterns to create a smooth, uniform surface. The term originates from the Latin word ‘axilla’, meaning ‘a small wing’, and has been used in construction for thousands of years, from the ancient pyramids of […]
Baluster: Architectural Stonemasonry Explained
The term ‘Baluster’ is a fundamental concept in the field of architectural stonemasonry. It refers to a small, often ornamental, column that is used in a series to support a railing or a coping. This term is derived from the Italian word ‘balaustra’, which means ‘pomegranate flower’, due to the resemblance of the baluster’s shape […]
Bed Joint: Architectural Stonemasonry Explained
The term ‘Bed Joint’ is a fundamental concept in the field of architectural stonemasonry. It refers to the horizontal joint between two stones, which is crucial in the construction and stability of stone structures. This article will delve into the intricacies of bed joints, their importance in stonemasonry, and how they are created and maintained. […]