Oamaru Stone

Oamaru Stone . The rock of ages, there can be no substitute for natural stone. The subtle textures of Oamaru Limestone have enriched our  architecture since the dawn of our civilization. It's as old as the nation itself.  And still  one of nature's finest building materials.

The Limestone is sliced from the quarry floor by a huge electric double chain saw mounted on rails. Oamaru Stone is supplied sawn, split or bolstered. The massive two tonne blocks are then carted from the vast natural amphitheatre created by decades of quarrying, to the cutting shed.

Once men cut the Oamaru Limestone for their churches and mansions with great hammers and chisels, the building industry has moved on since then and so has quarrying. .Because it can be supplied in any size, a wide variety of laying patterns may be used.

Internal

Oamaru Stone brings new dimensions to interiors. It's finish is clean, uniform, the stone's milky white colourings bring a light, airy look to any room creating an atmosphere of tranquility or drama.
Both Strong and durable Oamaru Limestone is easily cut and shaped making it the perfect material for walls, fireplaces, columns and freestanding features.

External

Oamaru Limestone is natural, so it's an easy mixer ~ blending well with other materials. 
It's easily worked on site by stonemasons, making it particularly valuable for arches and freedom work. 

With Oamaru Limestone, harmony doesn't need to be contrived, it follows naturally.

Architecture

Oamaru Limestone is as popular with architects today as it was a century ago. Their enthusiasm for using the stone has survived the test of time as has the enduring colour and texture of the the stone itself.

Oamaru Stone 'simply the best'.

Information

OAMARU STONE VENEERS

SPECIFICATIONS FOR HANDLING AND LAYING OTHER THAN SET BELOW.
VENEERS SHALL COMPLY WITH RELEVANT BUILDING BYLAWS.

OAMARU STONE is a natural material, not a manufactured article and its performance as a building material has been proven over the past 100 years.

When the stone is removed from the Quarry floor, it has a large moisture content, and when the milling of the stone is complete it will stay damp and soft for some time.

When the milling of the stone is complete it is placed on timber pallets up to 1.5 tones in weight.  These pallets are not covered when they leave the quarry, to allow air movement around the stone, and to allow the dispersion and evaporation of water. It is important to remember as the stone dries it becomes harder and stone shall not be laid until 3-4 weeks after milling. If stones are not sufficiently hard enough they are more easily damaged.

On site pallets should be stacked clear of mud and a temporary covering placed over stone. This should stop weather penetration but also allow for side ventilation to continue during the process.

Do not completely cover or wrap pallets of stone in sheets of plastic, as this will only hinder the drying process by trapping the excess moisture content.

On all foundations whether they be concrete or filled concrete block, three coats of D.p.C. such as Mulseal shell to be applied to the tops to form a damp proof cover prior to the lying of the first course of stone. This is essential to prevent any dampness rising into the stone.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF OAMARU STONEWORK

OAMARU STONE buildings require maintenance, cleaning and sealing for the stone to retain its natural white/creamy colour.

The following information may be of some assistance:

1. NEW BUILDINGS

When stone is dry it should be treated with a top quality water repellant silicone.

NOTE: This treatment should be carried out as per product manufacturer's instructions, along with an exception that most water repellants require a cover of approximately 1 litre per 1 - 1.5 m2 on Oamaru stone which has a greater absorbency than concrete.

In normal circumstances correctly treated surfaces remain water resistant for up to 7-10 years.

2. BUILDING RESEALING

To check if stone needs resealing , spray water onto stone surface. If water repellent is working water will run into droplets on the surface. If surface is porous, water will be absorbed into stone, which will go slightly darker in colour. A general indication of stone requiring treatment is when mould, moss or lichen begins growing on the surface, causing green or grayish discolouration of the stone.

To clean stone a moss or mould killer should be applied by thoroughly wetting surface with product. When moss killer has taken effect clean with a hard bristled brush. In some areas where there is a build up of moss or mould a wire brush may be required

Stone should then be left dry and a 2nd application of moss - mould killer applied.

At this time any repairs required, (e.g. loose pointing), should be carried out.

When stone has completely dried out, apply water repellant as per section 1

Note:

1.   Do not clean stone with high pressure spray, as this can loosen pointing and damage stone surface.

2.  It is important that stone is completely dry before applying water repellent.

Products suitable to prepare and treat Oamaru stone:

MOSS AND MOULD KILLER PRODUCTS

Ordinary Household bleach

Suitable to kill moss or mould on smaller areas - use as permanufactures specifications.

Stone Carving

Oamaru stone is the perfect medium for sculptors to create works of Art, 

  

National Stone Carving Symposiums are held Anually