If the West End is to retain its unique character, the sandstone fabric of the buildings must be preserved. The stone used here was generally quarried in Glasgow (cream/buff) or in Dumfries-shire (red); different stones vary greatly in their ability to stand up to the elements.
Not all stone decay is the result of natural weathering; problems also result from misguided or shoddy repairs, improper stonecleaning methods and general neglect. If future decay is to be avoided, stone repairs must be of the highest quality possible.
Stonework Repairs
Moisture is the main cause of decay in sandstone. Open mortar joints or a single decayed stone can permit water to enter a sound wall and cause deterioration to spread. When repointing, always use a soft, lime-based mortar.
The ideal repair for badly eroded stonework is to cut out the decayed area and "indent" with new stone to match the existing. It is a costly process, but in the long term it is the most economic and least noticeable repair.
Less successful repairs involve cutting back the decayed stone and refacing with various kinds of "plastic" stone (which are not actually plastic, but usually a cement- or epoxy-based render with stone dust added). Plastic stone is sometimes acceptable for unlisted buildings, but be aware that it may be a false economy. The patches may look good at first, but will become very conspicuous upon weathering, ultimately tarnishing the building's appearance.
Bad repairs can promote decay if moisture gets trapped behind the patch; this is exacerbated where large areas are patched altogether. It is best to only patch a few isolated stones to prevent extensive cracking across the wall.
Stonecleaning
Stonecleaning may greatly improve the appearance and value of your property, but in the wrong hands certain methods can damage your stonework visually and physically. Some chemical treatments or low-pressure wet-grit blasting, in certain circumstances, are acceptable; always check first with the Heritage & Design Section of Development & Regeneration Services for advice (see Statutory Bodies and Other Organisations for addresses and contact numbers).
As a rule, stonecleaning on its own will not be granted planning permission; it must be part of an overall stone repair scheme. Neighbours in a terrace or tenement block should co-operate and repair and clean their buildings at one time, thus saving money and ensuring consistent results.
If you are considering stone cleaning:
Painting Stonework
Painting stonework is not a cheap alternative to proper repair. It usually causes rather than solves decay problems. Stone walls must be able to breathe; most paints block the pores and trap moisture inside (especially oil-based paints).
If soft or flaky stonework is painted, the surface will soon start to peel and the building can look worse than before. Ideally, a painted building should be carefully stripped and the original stone finish restored. Sample areas should be cleaned first to determine whether the building was previously painted to hide a past defect. Note that local authority consent is rarely granted for painting an unpainted building.
Fittings to Stone Walls
Avoid cluttering the front of your building with pipes, wires or flues. Encourage the utility companies to route pipes and cables to the back of the house. If a meter box must be on the front wall, place it under a flying stair, in a basement well or at the base of a wall concealed by planting. If you are altering your house or installing a boiler or gas fire, design a layout which avoids flues on the front wall.
If you are installing a door entry system, have the buzzer panel recessed flush with the stonework, not fitted to the surface. It will then be more secure, unobtrusive and less likely to be damaged. Never cut into the ceramic tiles of your close -- recess the box into stone, plasterwork or timber.
Entrance Steps
If entrance steps become worn or damaged, replacements or "indents" should match the original stone. If real stone is not an option, use tinted concrete or an epoxy-based screed. Sometimes worn steps can be re-used by turning them over. Tiles or terrazzo finishes are not visually appropriate for West End buildings. Tiles are particularly prone to cracking.
