Repointing

What is Repointing?

Repointing is cutting out the original mortar joints in the brickwork with electric hand grinders, to the required depth, and washing down the wall afterwards to prepare for repointing.

The style of the repointed finish will depend on matching any original pointing of the brickwork on the property or garden walls. Colour matching to the original mortar is also important for cosmetic reasons.

What Causes Your Property to Need Repointing?

The weather is one of the main causes of deterioration of the mortar joints in all brickwork. Sub-zero temperatures, frost and rain all contribute to the breakdown of mortar joints. Another reason for repointing is the evidence of damp penetration on interior walls. This is often a strong indication that repointing is required.

The age of the property or walls and wear and tear over decades, causing deterioration of the mortar joints will be another factor. Elevations facing certain directions are more prone to the weather elements.

Also of relevance is when the house was built, particularly properties built pre mid 1980s, as there was no ‘quality control’ on the mortar used at that time. This has resulted in some mortar joints deteriorating more quickly as the bricklayers, during the building of properties from the 1950s through to the 1980s, often added an incorrect / inferior substance in the water within the mortar mix, in order to make the mortar more pliable for a speedier way of bricklaying.