How Repointing Helps Improve The Structural Integrity and Appearance of Your Heritage Properties’ Brickwork

One of the remarkable benefits of repointing is that it is less expensive than a full rebuild and both increase the structural integrity and value of your home.

Repointing prevents the degradation of the mortar, meaning, your brickwork will stay structurally sound for longer. Additionally, repointing can also improve the aesthetic look of your home. By replacing old, crumbling mortar with new mortar in a complementary colour, you can restore the look of your brickwork and make it look new again.

A masonry pro will rake out existing mortar to an adequate depth and replace it with fresh, new mortar in order to return the brickwork to its former glory. Chisels and hammers are used to break away the old mortar, and a vacuum cleaner is used to suck up any debris. A trowel is then used to apply fresh mortar to the joints between the bricks. The entire process usually takes 1-2 days, depending on the size of your home.

Interested to know more about sussing out a repointing pro? See our article here: Be Wary of “Tuckpointers” Who Claim To Be Professionals.

One of the main benefits of repointing is that it helps to prevent structural damage. Cracks in the mortar can lead to water seeping into the brickwork, which can cause serious damage over time.

Hence, the following are some of the most significant advantages of repointing:

• Stops the deterioration of mortar joints.
• It stabilises the framework of the brickwork. Damaged mortar joints compromise the structural integrity, eventually leading to its collapse.
• It prevents water from entering the cavity (space behind your brick wall). Water can infiltrate here and cause major damage if it seeps in via faulty mortar joints.
• Restores the brickwork on your home to its original state.
• With tuckpointing as well, you achieve a defined, striking contrast between bricks and mortar, improving the overall appearance of the wall.
  

Before hiring a contractor to repoint and/or tuckpoint your brickwork, there are a few things you need to do in preparation. Make sure the surface is clean and free of any loose debris. You can do this by using a brush and a hose to remove any dirt or dust from the surface.

You should also clear the area around your home of debris or branches. If you have bushes or a tree that rests close to your home, make sure that you are trimming these back so that your contractor has enough space for working.

Repointing is more than a visual facelift for your brickwork - it’s an overall improvement to the structural integrity of the wall. By taking care of your masonry repairs, you can avoid bigger and more expensive problems down the road. If you have been in your home for some time or you don't know when was the last time that your brickwork was checked by a professional, be sure to contact us for an inspection of your property.

Feel free to call us if you have any questions! You can count on Keystone Pointing if you are interested in speaking to a professional about repointing your home.