mortar ethics

Quoted text begins.1. How much real damage can this straight portland mix do to an old brittle
limestone structure, what kind of damage, and when will it become apparant?
2. Do you have any advice as to how to influence a generally good boss who
resents his bookish subordinate who knows and cares more about proper
restoration techniques than he does?
End of quote.

Hi Marcus,

Your first question probably contains the answer to your second! Maybe the only
way to influence your boss will be to point out the damage caused by the hard
mortar after a few wet/dry freeze/thaw cycles.

It's a shame for the old structure to be sacrificed but it could result in an
educational outcome. Record as many facts about the rebuilding as you can
including photo evidence, and add to the file over the years as maintenance
takes place. Find similar structures in the same environment and record the
difference between well-maintained, poorly-maintained and poorly-restored.

Why was the 1754 fabric rebuilt? Was it in poor condition, or perhaps relocated?

Maybe Doug was terrified that his work would end up as the original through lack
of maintenance, so he decided to 'fix it' with hard mortar.

Simon