Everything Our Building Contractors Can Do For You

Maintaining and restoring a property takes more than just hard work, it takes a team of skilled hands, local knowledge, and a deep respect for craftsmanship. At B & D Roofing and Building, our building contractors provide an expert, environmentally conscious service across East Lothian, Midlothian, and the wider region. Whether you're in need of traditional stone masonry, lime repointing, roughcasting, or full-scale building restoration, our team is here to help preserve the character of your building while ensuring structural integrity and long-lasting protection.

In our article, we'll explore the full scope of our building services, with particular attention to our work in building restoration and maintenance across East Lothian, and our specialist heritage roofing services in Midlothian. To learn more, keep on reading.

Understanding Our Services

We’ve created a guide that outlines all of our services in detail, so that you can gain a better understanding of how we can help you. Read more about our services below!

Skilled Stone Masonry for Period Properties

Stone masonry is one of the oldest building techniques in the world, and one of the most important when it comes to restoring older buildings. Our building contractors are highly experienced in working with both rubble and ashlar stonework, providing expert craftsmanship that ensures longevity, stability, and aesthetic harmony with the existing architecture of the property.

In East Lothian and the surrounding regions, many properties were built using locally sourced stone. Maintaining or repairing these structures requires not only knowledge of traditional methods but also access to materials that match the original in both texture and appearance. At B & D Roofing & Building, we pride ourselves on our attention to detail in stone cutting, dressing, and laying.

Whether you're dealing with weathered façades, cracked stone walls, or complete structural rebuilds, our team can repair or rebuild to preserve the original character of your building. This is especially important for building restoration in East Lothian, where historic homes and buildings are a valued part of the community landscape.

Lime Repointing: A Breathable Solution for Older Walls

Many older properties in East Lothian and Midlothian were constructed using lime mortar, which is a material that allows moisture to escape from the building naturally. Unfortunately, modern cement-based mortar is often used in repairs, which can lead to trapped moisture, frost damage, and long-term decay of the stonework.

Our building contractors are specialists in lime repointing, a process that involves carefully removing damaged or inappropriate mortar and replacing it with a compatible lime-based mix. This technique offers many benefits to these properties, including:

●     Breathability - Lime mortar allows walls to ‘breathe’, reducing moisture build-up and associated damage.

●     Aesthetic consistency - We colour-match and texture-match mortar for a seamless finish.

●     Sustainability - Lime has a lower carbon footprint compared to cement-based mortars.

By using traditional lime repointing methods, we help preserve the structural integrity and historical significance of buildings across the region, an essential part of any authentic building restoration in East Lothian.

Roughcasting: Robust Weather Protection with a Traditional Look

Roughcasting is another traditional building method that’s still widely used in Scotland, particularly for properties exposed to harsh coastal weather. It involves applying a coarse render, typically a mix of lime, sand, and small gravel, to exterior walls, creating a rugged, textured finish that’s both durable and water-resistant.

At B & D, our building contractors offer roughcasting services as part of a full suite of building maintenance in East Lothian. This finish is not only practical, protecting the underlying stone or brickwork from rain and frost, but also contributes to the traditional aesthetic of older Scottish buildings. For period homes, churches, and farmhouses in Midlothian and East Lothian, roughcasting is a time-tested way to extend the life of your building while maintaining its regional character.

Roofing Services in Midlothian

Our roofing services in Midlothian are tailored to meet the needs of listed buildings, conservation areas, and other historically significant properties. We understand the importance of maintaining original features while improving structural performance and weather resistance.

Our roofing capabilities include:

●     Slate roofing - Using reclaimed or locally sourced slate to match existing materials.

●     Leadwork - Specialist installation and repair of lead flashing and gutters to prevent water ingress.

●     Green roofing options - Eco-friendly solutions that integrate sustainability with structural performance.

●     Chimney repairs and rebuilds - Including lime rendering and repointing where required.

We work closely with conservation officers and local authorities to make sure we are compliant with heritage guidelines, and our workmanship speaks for itself. Our heritage roofing services in Midlothian have helped countless clients preserve the beauty and function of their buildings for generations to come.

Building Maintenance in East Lothian: Preventative and Responsive Services

Building maintenance in East Lothian is essential for preventing costly repairs and preserving the lifespan of both modern and traditional properties. Our building contractors provide a range of preventative maintenance services, including:

●     External inspections for mortar decay, stone erosion, and roof damage.

●     Routine lime repointing and rendering maintenance.

●     Chimney and gutter inspections and repairs.

●     Scheduled maintenance contracts for private estates and commercial clients.

We also offer responsive repair services in the event of storm damage, water ingress, or structural concerns. As a local business, we’re proud to support property owners in East Lothian with timely, affordable, and reliable building maintenance.

Our Commitment to Environmental Protection

At B & D Roofing & Building, we believe that preserving buildings and protecting the environment go hand in hand. We are committed to reducing waste, reusing materials where possible, and using traditional building methods that are inherently more sustainable. Some examples include:

●     Lime-based materials produce significantly less CO₂ than cement-based products.

●     Repairing rather than replacing historic structures helps reduce construction waste.

●     Reclaimed stone and slate are used where possible to reduce environmental impact.

Our green roofing solutions also support biodiversity and reduce stormwater runoff, which is an important consideration in urban planning and rural developments alike.

Preserve Your Property: B & D Roofing & Building

If you're looking for trusted building contractors in East Lothian or Midlothian, get in touch with B & D Roofing & Building. We’re proud to offer expert advice, quality craftsmanship, and a passion for preserving Scotland’s architectural heritage. Whether you need stone masonry repairs, lime repointing, heritage roofing services in Midlothian, or ongoing building maintenance in East Lothian, our team is here to help.

Contact us today to request a quote or discuss your project needs.