06/01/2026
A restored traditional look for this 1800's foundation in Charlestown, NH.
Damaged mortar joints were repointed and antique bricks were replaced all using a "hot mix"; pure lime cobble slaked and mixed on site with local sand to make a mortar replicating the original build.
I followed up the repair work with 4 coats of a lime wash made using an aged, handmade pure lime putty. I colored the final coat of the wash with natural pigments (brick dust and iron oxide) to match the original wash work.
For the final wash, raw pure linseed oil was mixed in to add elasticity to the lime, retain color, and add durability and water resistance without restricting the lime from breathing.
It is critical for the lime to breathe- moisture exchange is part of what makes the traditional lime mortar so long-lived when compared to its traditional counterpart. A modern Portland mortar is fast and easily-repeatable, but it tends to hold moisture in and restricts the brickwork from breathing. This moisture retention leads to the spalling and failing I see so often on modern brickwork.
I make all lime mortar, lime putties and lime washes, in the same way of traditional masons.
There is a great pride in giving these old homes a restored look without sacrificing their character, or original work.
- Joshua Robinson
Robinson Custom Masonry and Remodeling
Lempster, NH
603 557 2117
