Rear walls

Rear stonework tends to be much simpler than front ashlar stone. Cosmetic damage to the rougher rubble stone is less obvious and the walls themselves are often better protected from the weather by the micro-climate within the back court area.

Joints will be much wider than in ashlar-faced walls at the front. They should still be lime pointed. Cement pointing will often be poorly dressed over the stone and may fall off. 

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Random rubble rear wallJohn GilbertNote the heavy cement pointing and the adverse effect it has on the stonework.

Repointing correctly is a skilled job and needs time in the preparation of the joints and repointing with a suitable lime mortar.