limestone block building

[CyberEchowin]

I live less than a mile from an new hampshire limestone quarry. the ashlar stone they make now is mostly used to cover wood or steel buildings. But the old historic ones seem to be built from solid limestone blocks. They look tougher than wood and nicer than plain concrete. it will cost more and take longer.. but im thinking of it as a retirement project. is it still possible to do or is that know how gone?? im worried about frost damage since we get a lot of freeze and thaw here and limestone seems pretty breakable to me.

 

[TheClock]

It depends on how cold it is, you can still do it if it's above 32 ° F. prevent freezing BCS as it will damage the mortar and make the bond between the stone & wall weak

 

[alucard]

I live less than a mile from an new hampshire limestone quarry. the ashlar stone they make now is mostly used to cover wood or steel buildings. But the old historic ones seem to be built from solid limestone blocks. They look tougher than wood and nicer than plain concrete. it will cost more and take longer.. but im thinking of it as a retirement project. is it still possible to do or is that know how gone?? im worried about frost damage since we get a lot of freeze and thaw here and limestone seems pretty breakable to me.

Yep, it's definitely still possible, I work a lot with historic ones and restore them so I would say this is highly possible. You can reach out to me more through personal message for help if you need, but I'm just gonna drop it here that limestone is quite vulnerable to freezing and thawing cycles when it's porous so do pick the best type of limestone out there even if it means you're going to spend an extra dime.

 

[_TheMehssiah_]

I live less than a mile from an new hampshire limestone quarry. the ashlar stone they make now is mostly used to cover wood or steel buildings. But the old historic ones seem to be built from solid limestone blocks. They look tougher than wood and nicer than plain concrete. it will cost more and take longer.. but im thinking of it as a retirement project. is it still possible to do or is that know how gone?? im worried about frost damage since we get a lot of freeze and thaw here and limestone seems pretty breakable to me.

Have you looked into whether the quarry offers frost resistant limestone or if local experts are familiar with older construction techniques?Sounds like a fulfilling project if managed carefully!

 

[BLK153]

I live less than a mile from an new hampshire limestone quarry. the ashlar stone they make now is mostly used to cover wood or steel buildings. But the old historic ones seem to be built from solid limestone blocks. They look tougher than wood and nicer than plain concrete. it will cost more and take longer.. but im thinking of it as a retirement project. is it still possible to do or is that know how gone?? im worried about frost damage since we get a lot of freeze and thaw here and limestone seems pretty breakable to me.

Definitely still possible and het that's an awesome retirement project. Ashlar limestone might be ok but you have to carefully pick blocks that are thick and solid not just veener. For frost protection since it's in the New Hampshire, you gotta choose the right mortar! And do use drainage layers.

 

[TheStoneBuilder]

I live less than a mile from an new hampshire limestone quarry. the ashlar stone they make now is mostly used to cover wood or steel buildings. But the old historic ones seem to be built from solid limestone blocks. They look tougher than wood and nicer than plain concrete. it will cost more and take longer.. but im thinking of it as a retirement project. is it still possible to do or is that know how gone?? im worried about frost damage since we get a lot of freeze and thaw here and limestone seems pretty breakable to me.

Not all limestone is created equally. Look for a good, dense variety, then couple that with sound traditional techniques that consider water movement and freeze-thaw then you're on to something that can withstand the test of time! That's gonna be wicked for a retirement project!

 

[hardhathustle22]

Picking the right material that doesn't have many holes and putting it in the right way can really help your structure last.