Masonry & Restoration in Paddington
Victorian terrace brick restoration and tuckpointing across Paddington's heritage streetscapes.
Quick answer
Romans Building Services provides masonry, heritage restoration and structural repair in Paddington, Sydney, with work matched to the suburb's building age, materials and common movement or salt-damage patterns.
Last updated: 2026-05-29
Paddington has some of the most photographed terrace streetscapes in Australia. Five Ways, Underwood Street, the rows along Hargrave Street — these terraces are the reason Paddington looks the way it does. Looking after them properly takes patience and the right materials.
We work on Paddington terraces constantly. The big jobs are repointing and tuckpointing restoration. The bricks are usually handmade and soft, and the original lime mortar has weathered out of most joints. Many terraces had cement pointing done in the 70s and 80s, which locks moisture into the bricks and accelerates decay. Removing that cement and repointing properly is one of the most common jobs we do here.
We also handle sandstone repairs on the grander terraces — steps, window surrounds, decorative details. And retaining walls are common in the hilly sections, especially around the eastern edge of the suburb.
What Paddington homes and buildings need
Paddington is almost entirely Victorian terraces from 1870-1900, most with cast-iron lacework, sandstone detailing and tuckpointed brickwork. The bricks are soft handmade Sydney sand-struck bricks. Most terraces have had at least one bad repointing attempt — usually cement mortar that traps moisture. Correct restoration means lime mortar matched to the original, and tuckpointed where appropriate. Iron lintel rust and sandstone step wear are common.
Recent work across the Eastern Suburbs
Examples of jobs we've done with the same materials, conditions and craft you'd find on a property in Paddington. Photography is from real Romans Building Services projects, not stock.
What we do in Paddington
- Victorian terrace repointing with lime mortar
- Tuckpointing restoration
- Heritage brick and sandstone replacement
- Sandstone step and window surround repair
- Rust-damaged iron lintel replacement
- Retaining wall repair and construction
Masonry & building services we offer in Paddington
Full scope of work Romans Building Services handles across Sydney. Click through for detail on each service.
Common Questions — Paddington
How often does a Paddington terrace need repointing?
Properly done lime repointing lasts 40-60 years. If you're looking at a Paddington terrace that still has its original lime mortar, it might be ready now. Cement-pointed terraces often need it sooner because the cement causes brick damage that needs fixing too.
Do you work on Paddington Council heritage-listed properties?
Yes. We work to Woollahra Council and NSW Heritage requirements. We'll prepare documentation, use approved materials and source matching bricks and sandstone.
Why is my sandstone step flaking and wearing out?
Sandstone wears from foot traffic and weathers from rain. For steps that are still structurally sound, we can consolidate and repair. For steps that have lost too much stone, we cut and install replacement stone matched to the original.
Common problems we see in Eastern Suburbs
The structural and masonry issues that come up most often across Eastern Suburbs housing stock.
Need a quote in Paddington?
Call Minas directly or fill in the form. We will get back to you within 24 hours.