Repointing

What is repointing and how can it help you?

Repointing is the term used to describe the process regarding the renewal of the pointing, which is the external sections of the mortar joints between all types of masonry construction. These are the sections, or ‘joints’ that bind the various types of brick-work or stonework together. Over prolonged periods of being naturally exposed to the elements, the weathering and inevitable deterioration, cause voids or recessed cavities which allow the unwanted entrance of rainwater. When rainwater penetrates these recessed cavities and voids, it results in detrimental damage to the structure through frost weathering, salt dissolution and deposition.

Repairing damaged pointing in brickwork is essential to ensure no further and more costly damage to your property is required further down the line. So, nip it in the bud early.

Repointing Project

Here’s one of our recent repointing projects from a job in North Shields:

View the full project here: Repointing Project in North Shields

The most commonly reported issues with a client’s property and their brickwork, usually stems initially from the gable ends, which are generally the face or faces of the property that are most open to the elements. The natural eroding of the pointing, which is visible when the ‘jointing’ between the courses of bricks, or stonework, are no longer flush with the brickwork due to it crumbling away. Where the mortar mix holding the courses together once was, which is identifiable by the colour of the mortar, you will notice an almost black void, indicating a cavity recess, and a problem that would need to be addressed. And sooner rather than later.

Although this may not sound too serious, but if those signs are ignored, this will most certainly hasten the onset of more serious problems, which could even result in structural issues.

The most common problems that can arise from a neglected brickwork or stonework are water penetration, which can lead to more serious issues such as instability, and in worst cases, even disintegration.

To help prevent the more serious issues, if caught in time, all that may be required, would be professional re-pointing works, from an accredited contractor. A cheap and cheerful patch and point repointing job maybe all you require or can afford but be aware that this has a very limited life-span and is simply a short-term fix. Repointing over old mortar with new mortar will never retain a secure fix and will most certainly fall back out of the joints, leaving you with the same problem again, and more money to spend.

If a job is worth doing, it’s worth doing right, or you pay cheap and you’ll invariably pay twice.