External refurbishment, commercial building, Pall Mall, Westminster, London

London Architectural Stonemasonry completed an external refurbishment at 63 Pall Mall, SW1Y 5HZ. We repaired cracked Portland stone balconies, treated structural steel, repointed joints, and cleaned the facade. Our work was completed at height and on time, preserving the building’s appearance and ensuring structural integrity.

During this project we:

• Surveyed the building and produced a detailed costed photo report.
• Exposed, cleaned, and treated rusted structural steel on balconies.
• Carved and installed new Portland stone to replace cracked panels.
• Repointed stone joints and stabilised loose stonework around windows.
• Installed Portland stone indents where stone was damaged or eroded.
• Cleaned the entire facade using our ThermaTech steam-cleaning system.
• Carried out concrete repairs and Portland repair mix applications to balcony soffits.
• Completed all works in time for festive trading and Christmas display setup.

Pictured: Restored Portland stone facade at 63 Pall Mall by London Architectural Stonemasonry (the middle building with the balconies)

“The shop owners, surveyor, and the main contractor were all delighted with the quality of our work and the fact that the building was ready for the festive period.”

Scroll down for more information about this project.

Pictured: Cleaned and repaired commercial building on Pall Mall, by London Architectural Stonemasonry

Our team at London Architectural Stonemasonry was appointed to carry out an external refurbishment at a prestigious commercial property at 63 Pall Mall, Westminster, London. This case study highlights our expertise in repairing Portland stone facades, collaborating with main contractors, and working to tight deadlines on historically significant buildings in Central London.

Having worked with Site Services (London) Ltd on several previous Westminster-based projects, including minor stone cleaning and repairs, we were approached once again when they were appointed main contractor for this prominent Pall Mall refurbishment. With scaffolding already erected for an initial assessment, our team was asked to survey the building and provide a full repair schedule.

The major issue identified during our survey was the cracking of Portland stone panels attached to the balconies. This damage was caused by corrosion of the embedded structural steel. As the steel rusts, it expands, and this expansion places pressure on the fixed stonework, leading to cracks and eventual failure of the cladding elements. The implications of not addressing this issue included further deterioration of the structure, water ingress, and safety concerns for both building users and pedestrians.

In addition to the cracking balconies, several other areas of the facade required attention, including deteriorated joints, damaged stone sections, and general surface soiling.

Pictured: We removed the cracked Portland stone from the balconies, before our refurbishment

Following our condition survey, we produced a detailed costed photo report, which we submitted to Site Services for approval by the project surveyor. Once the scope of work was confirmed, our team began the refurbishment.

The main focus was the balcony structures. As instructed by the structural engineer, we first exposed the rusted steel supports. These were then cleaned thoroughly, and in areas where strength had been compromised, we welded on additional supports. The steel was then treated with a phosphate primer to prevent further corrosion.

Pictured: Treated structural steel, ready for new Portland stone to be installed by London Architectural Stonemasonry

The Portland stone that originally clad the balconies was carefully templated so that new matching pieces could be cut and carved. Once prepared, the existing cracked stone was removed and replaced with the newly fabricated sections.

Alongside this core task, our team also undertook a number of additional restoration activities, including:

• Repointing of Portland stone joints throughout the facade
• Pinning of window sills and jambs to stabilise loose stonework
• Installing Portland stone indents in place of damaged or eroded areas
• Cleaning the entire facade using our ThermaTech system – a specialist steam-cleaning machine that combines controllable heat and pressure to safely clean heritage stone

To complete the work to the underside of the balconies, we used Fosroc systems to carry out concrete repairs and applied Portland repair mixes to reface the soffit surfaces, restoring both function and appearance

Pictured: New Portland stone installed to a balcony on the facade by London Architectural Stonemasonry

Thanks to the efficient coordination between our site team, Site Services (London) Ltd, and the project surveyor, we were able to complete the external refurbishment ahead of a crucial deadline: the early December date by which the scaffolding needed to be removed to allow the shop below – a prestigious wine merchant – to install their Christmas lights.

We’re proud to say that we achieved this target. The restored stonework, cleaned and structurally sound, has significantly enhanced the appearance and integrity of the building at 63 Pall Mall.

The shop owners, surveyor, and the main contractor were all delighted with the quality of our work and the fact that the building was ready for the festive period.

Pictured: Completed facade refurbishment on 63 Pall Mall, delivered ahead of deadline

If you’re managing a commercial building in Westminster or Central London and need expert stone refurbishment, facade repairs, or structural stone replacement, get in touch with London Architectural Stonemasonry. Whether it’s Portland stone balconies or complete facade restoration, our team has the experience and skill to deliver lasting, elegant results – even to tight deadlines.

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