5 signs your building is due for repointing

July 8, 2022

The brickwork of a building affects its overall design and look. Brickwork can appear robust and reliable, but it can deteriorate with time and if not properly maintained. Damaged or eroded mortar might seem unsightly and distract from your property's attractiveness.

Keeping an eye out for signals that repointing services may be required to keep your building's masonry in good shape is key. If you see any of the things we talked about in this article on your home, you should call a professional repointing service.

If you see any of the following signs, it may be time to have your building's masonry checked out by a professional.

Efflorescence

One tell-tale sign that your building's masonry is in need of repointing is the presence of efflorescence. This refers to the formation of white salt deposits on the surface of bricks, which can be an indication of a defect in the way the brickwork was constructed or repaired.

If you notice efflorescence, it's important to consult with a professional who can determine the underlying cause and recommend solutions such as repointing or brick replacement. In order to keep your home's structure, aesthetic appeal, and overall value in good shape, you need to keep a close eye on efflorescence.

Unsuitable Cleaning Methods

Choosing the wrong cleaning methods for your building's masonry can have serious consequences. For example, using an aggressive approach such as scraping or scrubbing can damage the protective surface layer of the brick, exposing it to decay and other damage over time.

Another usual suspect is chemical cleaning, which may leave unsightly stains on the brick.

To avoid these issues and ensure that your masonry remains in good condition, it is important to use a method that is appropriate for both the material and its existing condition.

As you might expect, repointing can be a good idea in this case. Replacing mortar in between individual bricks will help to keep your masonry stable and protect it from further damage decay.

We have more information on safely cleaning your brickwork here: "Cleaning your brickwork without damaging it - Our Top Tips!"

Dampness or Water Damage

If you see damp symptoms in your home, like rotting wood floors or crumbling plaster, you probably have rising damp. This happens when excess ground moisture seeps into your home through porous materials like masonry.

Repointing is one viable remedy to this issue. Repointing includes replacing degraded mortar between bricks or stones with new, waterproofed material.

If you suspect penetrating damp in your home, call a professional repointing service like Keystone Pointing in Sydney.

Only professionals can examine your brickwork and advise you on the best method to handle and resolve any concerns with moisture infiltration. With proper repointing and maintenance, you can help protect your home from water damage and keep your family safe and dry.

Damaged or broken bricks

Damaged or fractured masonry can permit moisture into your home, compromising the structural integrity of your walls. Repointing is widely recommended to remedy this issue. Repointing is the process of filling in any gaps in the mortar between the bricks to keep moisture out and keep the structure strong.

Repointing may not always be helpful in repairing damaged masonry. Some bricks may need to be replaced to properly restore your walls' solidity.

For a seamless effect, replacement bricks should match the current ones. With regular maintenance, your brickwork will remain strong and last a long time.

Get expert advice

When it comes to masonry brick repairs and repointing, Sydney's Keystone Pointing is the place to go. Our team of repointing experts have years of experience and knowledge, making us the clear choice for all your Heritage Restoration , brickwork repair and repointing needs.

We are here to take care of all your masonry woes so that you can rest easy knowing your property is in good hands. Our brick replacement and repointing services are cost-effective, efficient, and reliable, so you can trust us to deliver the results you expect and deserve.

So don't settle for less than the best – choose Keystone Pointing experts and let us take care of all your repointing needs today!

Struck pointing is a type of masonry joint that is formed when the bottom edge of the mortar joint is recessed allowing the top of the next brick edge to stick out slightly. This can also create aesthetically pleasing shadows that enhance the masonry, however, it is not as weather resistant as it allows water to sit on the top side of the brickwork.

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