Historic and Period Masonry Correction in Hunterdon County

Tucked into the rolling hills and old towns of Hunterdon County are buildings that tell stories—stories of early America, of craftsmanship that has stood the test of time. At R&L Masonry, we don’t just work on these historic structures—we protect them. With three generations of hands-on experience, our team specializes in correcting and restoring historic and period masonry, bringing new strength to old stone while preserving its original beauty.

Respecting the Character of the Past

Historic buildings are more than bricks and mortar. Each one reflects a period’s unique building practices and materials, from hand-chiseled stone walls to lime-based mortars. Restoring these structures the right way takes more than skill—it takes a deep understanding of the history behind the architecture. That’s where we come in.

At R&L Masonry, we approach every project with care and purpose. Whether it’s a Federal-style home near Flemington or a pre-Civil War barn outside Lambertville, our goal is the same: protect the building’s authenticity while ensuring its longevity. That means no shortcuts, no modern substitutes that don’t belong, and no guesswork.

What Makes Historic Masonry Work Unique

Correcting historic masonry is not the same as patching a modern brick wall. Materials age differently, and past repairs—especially those done without the right knowledge—can actually make things worse. We frequently encounter buildings where the wrong kind of mortar was used, causing bricks to crack or shift. In other cases, moisture has crept in behind stonework, weakening what once held firm for over a century.

We take the time to understand what each structure needs. From analyzing old mortar formulas to sourcing period-appropriate bricks or stones, we rebuild what’s broken without compromising what’s original. And we always follow local preservation guidelines to make sure the work aligns with Hunterdon County’s standards for historic integrity.

Tailored Solutions for Older Buildings

Every historic building is different, and so are its problems. That’s why our first step is always a thorough site evaluation. We don’t just glance at the cracks—we study them. We look at how the materials were laid, how they’ve weathered, and what past repairs were done. Only then do we create a repair plan that fits the building, not the other way around.

Our correction work often includes:

Repointing with custom-matched lime mortar
Replacing damaged bricks with historically accurate units
Repairing or stabilizing stone foundations
Correcting sloped or bowing walls
Removing improper previous repairs and replacing them with authentic techniques

Sometimes it’s as simple as restoring a section of deteriorating chimney. Other times, it’s a full wall that needs to be taken down and rebuilt from its original stones. Whatever the case, we always put quality first.