Flint is the vernacular building stone of the South Downs and the Sussex coast. From the boundary walls of Brighton’s grand estates to the cottages of Rottingdean and Lewes, flint walls are an integral part of our local landscape and heritage. However, maintaining these historic structures requires specialist knowledge and traditional skills that are increasingly rare. Ridge Group Contracting is proud to be one of the few local firms with the expertise to repair, restore, and build flint walls using authentic methods. We help homeowners, councils, and heritage bodies preserve the unique character of East Sussex.
Flint is an extremely hard, non-porous silica stone found in chalk. Because it is round and irregular, it relies heavily on the mortar for stability. Historically, this mortar was lime-based. The most common cause of failure in flint walls is previous “repairs” done with modern cement. Cement is too hard and traps moisture; this causes the flints to loosen and eventually the face of the wall to collapse (delaminate). We strictly use hydraulic lime mortars for all our flint work. Lime is breathable, allowing moisture to escape, and flexible, accommodating the natural movement of the wall without cracking.
If your flint wall is bulging, cracking, or losing stones, immediate action is needed to prevent collapse.
Structural Stabilisation: We carefully dismantle unstable sections, salvaging the original flints for reuse. We then rebuild the core of the wall before refacing it.
Repointing: We rake out old, damaging cement pointing by hand to avoid chipping the flints. We then repoint using a lime mix matched to the original colour and aggregate texture.
Galleting: In some high-status walls, small flakes of flint (gallets) are inserted into the mortar joints. We can replicate this intricate technique.
We also build new flint walls for extensions, garden boundaries, or garages, ensuring new structures blend seamlessly with the old.
Knapped Flint: We can source knapped (split) flints which reveal the dark, glassy interior of the stone, creating a sharp, formal appearance often seen on Georgian buildings.
Field Flint: For a more rustic, rural look, we use whole “field” flints or cobbles.
Brick Quoins: We construct traditional brick piers and quoins (corners) to provide structural strength and visual contrast to the flint panels.
A flint wall is a significant asset. A poorly repaired wall is not only an eyesore but a safety hazard. Standard builders often lack the patience or knowledge for flint work, attempting to use strong cement mixes that ultimately destroy the wall. At Ridge Group Contracting, our craftsmen have years of experience selecting, shaping, and laying flints. We understand the “coursing” patterns and the correct ratio of lime to aggregate to ensure a repair that lasts for decades, not months.
Many flint walls in Brighton and Hove are Grade II Listed or situated within Conservation Areas. We are experienced in liaising with local Conservation Officers. We can provide sample panels of our work for approval, demonstrating that the mortar colour, texture, and flint style matches the historic precedent.
If you own a property with flint walls in Brighton, Hove, or the wider Sussex area, do not let them fall into disrepair. Contact Ridge Group Contracting for a specialist consultation. We are passionate about keeping Sussex’s flint heritage standing strong.
We provide a complete, end-to-end solution for every project. From the initial survey and planning to the final high-quality finish, our integrated team manages every detail to ensure a seamless workflow and minimal disruption to your property
Quality starts with the materials we use. We source only the highest-grade products—whether structural steel, sustainable timber, or heritage brick—ensuring durability and a finish that withstands the Sussex coastal climate
Every project is executed by fully qualified professionals. Our team combines traditional trade skills with rigorous modern construction standards, ensuring structural integrity, safety compliance, and exceptional attention to detail.
