Patching sandstone like window surrounds

[Richardk]

Our windows are framed by stonework (sandstone colour) as many places are. The property is 200 years of so old. One of the stone uprights into which the shutter fixings have been drilled has broken somewhat over the years (due to the putting the fixing in it looks like) and as such I need to patch it to prevent further deterioration. I can see this has happened to one other stone block. My question is what would I patch with and how do I try to match the colour into the existing stone wo it doesn't stick out too much?

Thanks

Richard

[Nearly Retired (I am now)]

Maybe try two-part Ronseal epoxy woodfiller in natural colour (creamy) mixed with a healthy dose of stone dust or chippings? I suppose any epoxy type car body filler would do, but they're often a greyish colour which is why I'd give the cream / off-white woodfiller a go.

[Babbles]

This might not be that helpful but, our shop in the uk is in a conservation area and need the stone sills and windows repairing, our builder got a product from germany that was colour matched to blend in with the orginal stone, not as cheap as a DIY job but one that has blended in and was acceptable to the conservation officer, a lot cheaper than a mason replacing the stone but well worth the extra expense IMHO

[Bugsy]

Richard, just buy a small bag of white cement and make up a mix with normal sand. Trial and error will find a very good match. Fill as neat as you can but leave slightly proud until dry, then take some course sandpaper to it and gently sand it down.

Job done....................................

[chris pp]

There's a product that is specially made for this purpose, not sure if it's from Webber & Brutin, I haven't had to use any for some time. It works really well, although you may need to get your hand in a bit to get the finish right and it's not cheap, about €50 for a 10kg sack.

Chris

[Yachty]

Check this link, http://www.veitchi.com/linotol/linostone.html

Basically, repair with cement mortar mix or resin mortar and apply as directed. as easy as emulsioning a wall.

Probably a bit late for you now though!

 

 

[Deimos]

Your local builders merchant will sell the proper stuff (not white cement, etc.).  I don't know if there are regional variations depending on the local sandstone but around me all the builders merchants stock the same stuff.  It cost around €40 for a 30Kg sack.  There are two variants, one for thin layers (up to 1cm) and the other for thicker layers (though nothing to stop you building up several layers of the "thin" stuff).  Thicker layer stuff is a bit more expensive

It is a straight mix with water material (i.e. no sand to add, no lime to add, just the powder and water).  Applies like cement/filler and takes some time to dry.  I have found that in hot weather it can tend to crack a bit so before too much sun time of year is best.  Once dry it is quite easy to sand.  Initially this worried me but it does last fine.  Goes on really easily and cleans up easily.  I really like the stuff.

It has the right strength and characteristics to match the sandstone and is definitely the correct stuff to use.  Also seems to be a pretty good colour match and that you can sand it helps me a lot as you can get everything back to the original smooth/flat stone faces.  You see a lot of specialist builders using the same technique when renovating buildings where the stone has deteriorated (i.e. applying then scraping/sanding once dry).

The stuff I use is made by Parex Lanko and is called Mortier de Reparation Pierres de Taille.  Its a good match for the local sandstone.  I don't know if different regions have different stuff but around me all builders merchants sell this stuff.  Or just go into your local builders merchant and ask - and they will give you the correct stuff for your local stone.

Ian