![\"stone](\"https:\/\/idostuff.co.uk\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/01\/stone-bedroom-wall.jpg\")
<\/a>stone bedroom wall revealed<\/p><\/div>\n
In this photo you can see the majority of the stone wall. On the left of the window I had already re-pointed to fit the radiator, so the boiler could be fitted, so I’d at least be warm working through the depths of winter this year. \u00a0On the right the remnants of lime putty plaster can be seen in the joints. \u00a0The window is now obviously smaller than the previous one but the opening has been widened on the left even though its been built back in on the right. \u00a0The top of the opening now has a concrete lintel with some brick bits to the underside of the outer timber lintel.<\/p>\n
I chose to re-point using hydraulic lime rather than lime putty because the finish would be close in colour to the stone so the various joint widths and large areas would not be dominant. \u00a0The surface would also be less prone to damage and dusting than lime putty, important as the the wall will be brushed against at the side of the bed. \u00a0 As many of the joints where deep and wide I took a two stage approach.<\/p>\n
When all the cement render was chipped off some areas where in very poor condition. This area is prepared ready for re-pointing.<\/p>\n
<\/a>Cement render removed and joint prepared for repointing<\/p><\/div>\n
These wide and deep areas were first filled with a mix of sharp sand and NHL 3.5 \u00a0( mix ratio 3:1)<\/p>\n
<\/a>Wide and deep joints filled with sharp sand and lime<\/p><\/div>\n
The top layer is yellow soft sand and NHL 3.5 (2.5:1). \u00a0This is carefully shaped to the profile I wanted, slightly back from the stone face but without leaving \u00a0prominant ledges that would be difficult to clean. \u00a0After a couple of hours it is worked back to close up any shrinkage cracks. After it has started to set the surface is rubbed to remove tool marks and apply an even, sandy texture.<\/p>\n
<\/a>Surface pointing with yellow \/ soft sand and lime<\/p><\/div>\n
Tidying up the window surround<\/h2>\n
The picture at the top of this post shows how rough the window surround is. \u00a0It had been plaster boarded over to make a window opening the same size as the current window. \u00a0The room feels much bigger without the boarding so I came up with another plan that would also add a bit of insulation. \u00a0 I boarded the area as close to structure as I could with the insulated tile backing board I used on the Dormer upstairs.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n Insulated tile backing board as backing for render<\/p><\/div>\n This provided a stable backing I could then render with the same mix I used for pointing the stonework.<\/p>\n<\/a>