SPECIALIST STONEWORK IN OLNEY
If you live in a town like Olney then you know that the local stone is what gives the area its look. Most of the older buildings here are made from limestone and it needs a specific kind of care to stay in good shape. At Astrum Construction we have spent a lot of time working on these traditional properties to build new extensions that match. Using the wrong mortar or the wrong stone can actually ruin a building over time so we make sure to do it right. We don't use high pressure sales talk because the work usually speaks for itself. It is important to have a builder who actually understands how these old materials behave in the local weather.
Why traditional lime mortar matters
A lot of people make the mistake of using modern cement on old stone houses but that is usually a bad idea. Cement is too hard and it traps moisture which leads to the stone faces popping off when it freezes. We specialise in using lime mortar because it lets the building breathe and move naturally. This is a big part of any stonework Olney project we take on for older cottages or listed buildings. We also do repointing which is just replacing the old worn out joints with fresh lime mix. It makes the house look much better and it stops the damp from getting inside your walls. Our team knows how to mix the right colours so the new pointing doesn't stick out like a sore thumb.
Building new walls with local stone
Sometimes you want a new extension or a porch that looks like it has always been there. We can source reclaimed stone or new limestone that matches the surrounding buildings in town. We know where to get the right materials from local quarries so the texture and the colour are spot on. Building with stone is a bit of an art and it takes longer than laying simple bricks but the result is much stronger and looks better. We manage the whole process from digging the footings to putting on the coping stones at the top.
Our experience with historic buildings
We are honest about how long things take and what they cost. We give you a proper quote and we explain what is included. If we run into a problem with the ground or the existing walls we tell you straight away. We are members of the Federation of Master Builders so you know we aren't just making it up as we go. Our builders have years of experience with local Olney properties and they take pride in doing a tidy job. We aren't here to use marketing fluff or big promises; we just want to build you a room that stays dry and warm for years.
Get a quote for your stone project
If you are looking for a new stone extension that fits in perfectly with your existing home. You can look at our projects to see photos of the different types of stone we have worked with before. We can come over to your property in Olney and take a look at what needs doing. We give you a clear price and we don't add on extra costs for no reason. Every job is different and some stones are harder to work with than others but we can usually find a solution that fits your budget. Complete our contact form or give us a call to talk about your stonework Olney. Our team is happy to give you some honest advice on the best way to preserve your building for the future.