Barry Ingram Hot Mixed Lime and Traditional Mortars, Specialising in repointing and brickwork repairs.

My late Victorian house developed a large, internal damp patch recently, a couple of years after having new bay windows fitted and also after I had removed a large shrub that had been protecting the wall around the area of the damp. Initially I had intended to repoint the front of the house myself using a cement- based render - what a mistake that would have been! Time to call in the experts. I found Barry Ingrams details online and, having made contact, he came and saw me the same evening, the result being that I was more than happy to leave the whole job in his hands. Such is the demand for him that I had to wait a month or so after our initial meeting until Barry and Dave were free to start work. The job of repointing the front of the house and front wall took about 7 days in all. The lads were extremely thorough, removing all the wires, downpipes etc., raking out all the old lime mortar and replacing it with new lime mortar coloured to blend in with the surrounding properties. The end result is astounding; my tired old house has now had the facelift it badly needed and is the envy of my neighbours. The cause of the damp patch was found to be due to previous bad window cill installation allowing water to run into the building. This was all rectified by the lads. Barry and Dave have been a pleasure to deal with, and if anyone needs reassuring, please give me a shout. Service: Waterproofing
Apr 12th, 2023

After a number of very negative experiences with local tradesmen it feels great to actually be able to recommend someone and indeed recommend them highly. I had reached the point when even trusting a recommendation was stressful, so needing to step into this arena again was something that was causing me significant anxiety. But my internal renovations in the Old School had exposed a significant damp problem in one of the major external flint and lime wall, which meant I had no choice. Thankfully this recommendation proved to be entirely accurate. Barry Ingram and his colleague Dave arrived as arranged and were clear that, due to incorrect mortar being applied by the previous owners contractors, the wall has been unable to breathe and moisture had been trapped inside. They suggested a day of exploratory work to confirm this. I offered to pay for this in advance and again at the end of that first day, but was told I didnt need to and could pay at the end of the job. As soon as they began to remove the incorrect mortar it was clear that the central area of the wall was absolutely sodden. Problem confirmed, they began the process of repointing in lime, replacing flints where necessary. Having fallen in love with this beautiful building, in part because of its flint walls, it was a joy to watch them being so carefully restored and, as an artist, the process really drew me in. It isnt just about experience, you need to have a good eye. Ive seen supposed lime work being carried out but this was on entirely another level. Barry is very generous in sharing what he has learned over many years and has a YouTube channel. Despite my previous experiences, I can honestly say I thoroughly enjoyed having Barry and Dave here, the first to make me coffee, having come with their own coffee machine (totally self sufficient thanks to a solar panel on the roof of the van). My wall looks beautiful and can now begin to breathe again, as it was designed to do, which will allow it to dry out over the next months. Thank you Barry and Dave. Services: General construction, Home renovations, General repairs
Mar 30th, 2023

Positive: Professionalism, Quality
Jan 10th, 2023

It was a real pleasure to meet Barry and Dave and to have them undertake work on my chimney breast. As other reviewers have said, both are polite, professional and very experienced. These guys are craftsmen. They have done a great job of repointing using a traditional hot lime mix and replacing damaged bricks. They also gave great advice on the general care and maintenance of older properties and were very friendly throughout the job. I would not hesitate in recommending Barry and Dave for any specialist brickwork repair. Service: Interior structural repairs
Jul 29th, 2022

Barry Ingram was highly recommended to me, from my decorators. Buying my new home in Ramsgate kent, I needed lots of help to fix my damp walls and other work throughout. Barry and his work partner Dave, we're both very professional but also friendly and explained what I needed to have done on the house after their inspection. I felt at once that I could trust his process and believed in his words of encouragement that he could do the work before Christmas 2022. Barry and Dave went above and beyond with the work. They put new guttering in the front and back of the house, did Window arch repairs, Chimney and brick work repairs. Conservation work undertaken, General building work Damp proofing. French drains installed. Repaired my front wall and finished with coping stones. I know he did a lot more. I am so happy and satisfied with all that they have done, I feel confident now that my home will last that much longer. I know if at any time I am in need of help and advive to do with the house, Barry will be the first person I call. His expertise has a Traditional Lime Mortar Repointing Specialist showes his professional standards contecting this with his life experience in dealing with customers, I feel afforded him this very high recognition and recommendation. To anyone in need of a builder they can trust, will get the work done when they say. I highly recommend Barry, I loved his old school approach and wisdom. He's like family now. I am now happily living in my beautiful dream home by the sea, what more can one ask for. Rosemary Services: Roof installation, Roof repair, Exterior structural repairs, Repair water fixtures, Waterproofing, Gutter cleaning
Jan 9th, 2023