Elegance and sophistication are added to any home by limestone masonry dressings. They also protect homes from the elements, making them more durable.
House builders have used limestone, a natural stone, for centuries to create a variety of architectural details, including quoins, copings, and cills. This is because limestone is durable and versatile, and can be dressed to create a variety of shapes and finishes.
In house building, stone masonry dressings are often used to create windows, doors, and other features. Some of the most common elements of stone masonry dressing for house building include:
- Heads: The heads of windows and doors are the topmost parts of the openings. They are typically dressed to a smooth finish but can be decorated with patterns or carvings.
- Cills: The cills are the bottommost parts of windows and doors. They are typically dressed to a level surface and may be made of a different type of stone than the rest of the opening.
- Mullions: Mullions are the vertical members that divide windows and doors into separate panes.
- Jambs: The jambs are the vertical members that frame windows and doors.
- Quoins: Quoins are the corner stones of a building. They have a smooth finish.
Limestone masonry dressings can be used on both new and old homes. They can be used to add a touch of character to a traditional home, or to create a more modern look.
If you are considering using limestone masonry dressings in your home, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
First, you will need to choose the right type of limestone. Some types of limestone are more susceptible to weathering than others.
Hanbeck Natural Stone limestone is a great choice for exterior applications because:
- It is a type of oolite limestone, which is a very dense and hard limestone.
- It has a high calcium carbonate content, which makes it resistant to weathering.
- Due to its density and low porosity, it is not easily penetrated by water and therefore, maintains colour considerably longer than more porous stones
- It has a consistent colour and texture, which makes it a good choice for architectural applications.
Second, you will need to choose the right finish for your dressings. The finish will affect the overall look of your home and the way it weathers over time. By speaking to our Quarry Director you will be able to share your vision and receive the best advice unique to your project and desired look.
Here are some additional benefits of using limestone masonry dressings in house building:
- Limestone is a sustainable material that is quarried from the earth.
- Limestone is a recyclable material that can be reused at the end of its lifespan.
- Limestone is a low-maintenance material that requires little upkeep.
