Brick walls are famed for their timeless look and durability, which can survive for decades or even centuries. However, the mortar between the bricks might deteriorate over time owing to weathering, water damage, or ageing, resulting in fractures, gaps, or crumbling seams. Brick wall repointing is a critical maintenance technique that involves removing broken mortar and replacing it with new material
What is Brick Wall Repointing?
Repointing is the practice of mending and refilling mortar joints in brick and stone masonry. The mortar erodes over time as it is exposed to weather, pollutants, and moisture. If left untreated, this can weaken the wall, enabling water to penetrate and eventually cause structural damage.
The procedure of repointing includes:
Assessing the Wall: Identifying damaged mortar.
Removing Old Mortar: Chiselling out defective mortar without damaging the surrounding bricks.
Applying New Mortar: Fill the joints with fresh mortar that has the same texture and colour as the original.
Finishing and Cleaning: It involves smoothing and shaping the mortar joints to achieve a seamless finish.
Why Repointing Is Essential
Structural stability
Mortar serves as a binding agent, holding bricks together. Damaged mortar can weaken a wall, causing loose bricks or, in severe circumstances, partial collapse. Repointing maintains the wall’s stability, ensuring its safety and durability.
Protection against water damage
Water can seep into the wall through cracked or missing mortar, resulting in moisture, mould, and frost damage. Professional repointing by M&C Paving Northeast seals the joints, preserving your brickwork from moisture damage.
Improved Aesthetic Appeal
Repointing restores the visual appeal of your brickwork, making it appear as good as new. Matching the mortar to the original allows a seamless repair and preserves the wall’s character.
Increased property value
Well-maintained brickwork improves the curb appeal and value of your house. Repointing is a smart investment, particularly if you intend to sell or modify your property.
Prolonged Lifespan
Regular repointing extends the life of brick walls, avoiding the need for costly replacements or substantial repairs.
Signs Your Brick Walls Need Repointing
Recognising the early indicators of masonry deterioration is critical for addressing problems before they become more serious. Watch out for:
- Cracked, crumbling, or missing mortar.
- Gaps between the bricks.
- Discoloration or staining on the mortar.
- Loose or shifting bricks.
- Water penetration or damp spots on the interior side of the wall.
- Visible signs of weathering or erosion in older masonry.
Why should you choose M&C Paving Northeast for repointing?
Skilled craftsmanship
M&C Paving has vast experience with masonry restoration and repointing. They utilise rigorous treatments to guarantee that each joint is completely healed.
Authentic Restoration
Matching the original mortar in colour, texture, and composition is critical to preserving the authenticity of your brickwork. M&C Paving is proud to preserve the historical and aesthetic value of your stonework.
Advanced Tools and Materials
M&C Paving uses cutting-edge tools and high-quality materials to provide long-lasting repairs.
Customer-centric Approach
Their team puts customer happiness first, providing customised solutions to match your individual needs and budget.
Local expertise
As a renowned provider in the region, M&C Paving understands the particular problems faced by the Northeast’s climate and offers solutions that are built to resist extreme weather conditions.
Brick wall repointing process
Inspection and Preparation
A detailed inspection of the wall is performed to evaluate the level of damage and locations that require repointing.
Remove Damaged Mortar
Using specialised equipment, carefully remove the old mortar without injuring the surrounding bricks.
Mixing the New Mortar
Fresh mortar is blended to match the current material’s texture and colour, resulting in a seamless look.
Repointing the joints
The fresh mortar is pressed into the joints with precision equipment to provide a firm bond and a flawless finish.
Step 5: Cleaning and Final Touches
Once the mortar has cured, the bricks are cleaned to eliminate debris, and the wall is inspected to ensure a faultless finish.
Maintaining Your Repointed Brick Wall.
To keep your repointed wall in great condition:
- Conduct regular visual inspections for signs of damage or wear.
- Keeping the wall clean requires removing dirt and moss.
- To avoid water buildup, make sure there is appropriate drainage around the walls.
- Minor difficulties should be addressed as soon as possible to avoid them from becoming larger problems.
By working with M&C Paving , you can also plan regular maintenance checks to keep your brickwork in top shape.
