Services

Material Analysis & Stone Selection

Material Analysis

Materials research and analysis is a service specifically tailored to the needs of building and materials conservation.

Carrig's research and analysis services can be divided into the following categories:

• Characterisation and matching of building materials such as stone, mortar, plaster, brick and terracotta.
•  The definition and analysis of materials problems such as staining, damage and decay.
•  Primary research funded by public bodies.
•  Conservation techniques for water repelling, consolidation, paint removal, biociding, repointing, flashing and cleaning.

Characterization services are key for identifying stone types, mortar mixes and brick types used in a building. This is useful for matching purposes and preparing prescriptive contract specifications.

The tasks involved include:

•  Sampling
•  Visual and microscopic analysis
•  Petrographic analysis
•  Geological classification
•  Mineral identification

 The analysis of diverse material problems is a complex process that may not always result in a clear-cut diagnosis. A very wide range of analytical techniques can be applied to such issues depending on the nature of the problem.

Carrig has the research expertise to take on larger primary or applied research projects in almost all areas of porous building materials durability. Where necessary, the company can draw on its links with other institutes, companies and universities throughout Europe and the United States.

Stone Selection

Stone selection process is a comprehensive service that is offered with a view to producing both performance specifications to new developments and offers stone matching to conservation and repair works on historic buildings and structures. The testing, grading and quality control involved in the technical process give the client essential information on stone suitability and appropriate application and fixing. With a wide range of materials available, Carrig act as an independent assessor on a variety of quarries and stone suppliers throughout Ireland and the UK.

Typically, the procurement process will address stone tolerances, aesthetic consistencies, performance, structural elements and finally, the implications on programme and costs.