Encouraging good practice

All too often, even with good intentions in mind, new and old flint structures have been ruined by lack of thought or poor knowledge. Following basic steps can transform the aesthetics and structural strength of a structure, therefore keeping the tradition of flint walling alive.

Despite what may appear as a complicated process, many repairs can be carried out by most individuals who are prepared to spend a little time and effort. However before undertaking any work it is important to assess the structure correctly. If it is of major structural or historical importance it may be important or even necessary to seek the advice of a professional or a conservation agency.

Before undertaking any work it is recommended to spend a little time appraising, researching and documenting the wall. With this little effort you will go a long way towards keeping the aesthetics and retaining the local distinctiveness of the structure. Damage can occur with indifference or when wrong repair techniques and materials have been used. When using correct methods and materials you are more likely to prolong the life of the structure.

Assessing condition of a wall.

There are various styles of laying and also a variety of finishes. These can vary from construction period and importance of structure, to region and specific location. Much debate is held regarding which is the most appropriate style to use. Generally this is always answered by suitably matching the existing style and finish to that particular location and period of property.

If undertaking work or supervising flint work being carried out, asking a few of the below questions may help:

Choosing the correct flint. Note its colour and size, it may be a field flint, quarried flint or beech cobble?
Its‘ laying style. Is the style upright or angled? Has it been laid random or in courses? What are the size of joints between each flint?
Its‘ finish. Has it been snapped or knapped? Has it been left unworked? Or a combination of field and snapped? If snapped, at what percentage?
Pointing style. What is the finished pointing style? Flush finish, line pointing, snails creep, galletting or ribbon pointing?

Mortar (Sand and Binder)

In general the mortar should not take over as the predominant aesthetics of the wall. The mortar is there to bed the flint, take up the inequalities of the shapes and to weather the joint. However it is just as important to get the mortar right as it is the style and finish. Simple steps can be taken to match the existing or appropriate mortar. Depending on the importance of the structure this can be done by either basic or complex analysis. This will then identify the colour, size, texture and proportion of aggregate and binder. The aggregate can be matched from either a single source or by mixing from a combination of sources. The binder and setting agent can then be identified. The most appropriate will depend on the structure, the location and finances available.

General maintenance

Annual inspection and possible maintenance can play an important part to extending the life span of a wall or structure. Prompt and appropriate action can reduce further damage and increased costs. If problems have occurred with a structure, to prevent repeated damage it is important to identify the original causes. Most frequent causes can be; poor construction, general lack of maintenance, damage by foliage (especially ivy), above or below ground tree damage, or soil removal or settlement. A correct assessment will recommend most appropriate action to take.

The Flintman Company will give consultation with technical advice on repairs and sourcing of
skills and materials for specific projects, however large or small.