Generally, most of Cochran’s Stone Masonry’s work is stabilization. STABILIZATION is to maintain the condition of the building. RESTORATION means, to restore, to pick a certain point in time and take the building back to that period. Most clients choose to stabilize their project.

Cochran’s Stone Masonry’s main objective is to undo past repair jobs that were executed poorly. We sincerely feel that people want to do what is best for their building. What clients don’t have is proper information or a skilled craftsperson to make the correct decision.

Too many times masons with good reputations, but with no historic masonry skills are hired to “fix” a historic structure and with the best intentions, lime pointing is removed from a stone wall and replaced with gray Portland cement. A brick wall is repointed with modern colored cement, joints are tooled improperly; mortars are used that are too hard or the wrong colors. A job that was paid for and completed with the best intentions often results in spalling bricks, damp walls, peeling paint and leaky chimneys. Usually, after several years, a knowledgeable company, such as Cochran’s Stone Masonry, is finally contacted and asked to “undo” what was done. Cochran’s Stone Masonry can help you avoid all of this by providing the client with many years of experience and knowledge that only years in this business can provide.

HISTORIC MASONRY REPORT

We offer a full range of services to help you understand and complete your project. One service we offer is a Historic Masonry Report. A Historic Masonry Report will include a visit with you and your structure to discuss your concerns. We will spend some time inspecting the building and take some mortar samples. Then we will prepare a report on our findings. This easy to understand report includes recommendations on how to solve your current problems, recommendations on items that need attention, and procedures on how to execute these matters. Also included is a Mortar Analysis, which describes the formula for mixing the replacement mortar that matches your building.

CONSULTING

If you’re working with a company to complete your project, or perhaps your organization has its own in-house maintenance personnel, Cochran’s Stone Masonry can also be hired as a consultant to visit your job site and even spend time with the craftspeople to ensure the work is being completed properly.