Building Materials Analysis
The key to a successful conservation or repair project is to understand the materials with which you are dealing.
At the Scottish Lime Centre Trust we have an in-house laboratory for building materials analysis and assessment, supported by external associated laboratories for more in-depth and alternative analysis procedures.
We can undertake several different methods of analysis in order to ascertain (i) the mix proportions of lime and cement mortars, (ii) help diagnose and understand problems within buildings, but also to routinely undertake analysis on natural stone, for stone matching purposes, as well as brick, slate, plaster and render.
Upon receiving a sample in the laboratory, we will undertake a quick visual analysis to determine the best method of analysis (ie. whether we think the sample is cementitious or lime-based).
Renders, harls, plasters, construction, bedding, pointing...
Slate, sandstone, granite, limestone, whin, flag...
Matching, specifying, locating, characterising
Brick, wood, metal, concrete...
Materials analysis is commonly carried out…
- to guide materials specification for repair;
- to identify the causes of failure;
- for archival and archaeological records.
Understanding the materials that are already present on a building will allow successful repairs to be specified allowing a new material to work well with the existing materials and therefore extending the lifetime of the building or structure in question by correct functionality of the materials involved.
Materials analysis can be carried out as a stand-alone service, or as part of our Buildings Advisory Service such as a building investigation or survey including specification writing.
Please select the material type you wish to have analysed for more information.