Stonemasonry

Cement / Lime Mortar for repairs to base of wall?

Anonymous user 28/02/2024 - 3.38 PM

Hi, would greatly appreciate some advice on stonework repair as I'm not sure whether this is a DIY job or whether I need some professional assitance. My 19th century cottage has a gap of several millimetres under the external wall which is an obvious concern for water/insect ingress. I need to fill this, but am unsure of what I should use - portland cement or a lime mortar mix. I know the former is more suitable for waterproofing but then again the construction of my property may suggest that the lime mix is more appropriate. The wall itself is a rendered stone construction and there is a narrow wall base plinth that protrudes about 2-3cm or so. The mix would go under the wall so I'm not actually applying it directly onto the facing stonework (in which case the lime mix would clearly be needed) but all the same I don't want to risk any structural integrity issues. No DPC, at least that I'm aware of. Any advice gratefully received!