Things You Need To Know About Brick Repointing

April 4, 2023

Brickwork is one of the most versatile and popular building materials available. It's durable, easy to work with, and comes in a variety of colours and patterns, so it's no wonder it's gradually becoming more common in the construction of homes and other commercial buildings.

However, even though brickwork can be attractive and long-lasting, it does need maintenance from time to time. If you're not careful, your brickwork could start to crack or crumble away over time. This means that you'll need to repoint your bricks at some point.

But how can you tell if your brickwork needs repointing?

In this article, we'll cover everything from identifying signs of wear to choosing the best brick repointing specialist.

What is Brick Repointing?

Brickwork is one of the first parts of a building to show signs of ageing and weakening. This is where repointing helps. Brick repointing is a process by which mortar is added to the joints between bricks and/or stones to counteract these effects.

Repointing is the process of removing old, deteriorating mortar and replacing it with new ones. This process helps strengthen and restore the building, improves structural integrity, and safety, and protects against dampness. It is a necessary step as old mortar often has a tendency to crumble away over time.

Brick repointing also helps prevent further damage from happening by providing a protective layer against moisture getting into the wall which can lead to damp problems in your property if left unattended.

Signs Your Building Needs Brick Repointing

Here are some of the most common visible signs that your building is due for repointing:

The mortar joints are cracked, fretting, damaged, or missing
The brickwork is unstable, bulging, or out of line
The bricks are spalling (cracking)
The brickwork has been exposed to acid or pollution from the air and groundwater
The mortar has become hard and brittle

You can check for physical damage and deterioration of your brickwork. However, an expert opinion is highly recommended in order to assess the overall condition of your brickwork.

Benefits of Brick Repointing

Brick repointing is an inexpensive yet effective way to keep your brickwork in good shape. Apart from that, here are some of the benefits of brick repointing:

Provides protection against water damage
Helps maintain the appearance of your home or building
Protects your bricks from erosion by rain and wind
Reduces the risk of mould growth
Enhances the value of your property
An affordable way to restore your property

Where Can Repointing Be Used?

Brick repointing is an excellent way to add value to your property, as it can help maintain its original appearance while also repairing any damage that has been done to the mortar.

Here are just a few of the places where brick repointing can be used:

Walls
Around windows
Chimneys
Around doors
On parapets

How Much Does Repointing Cost?

When it is time for brick repointing work to be carried out on your property, you need to make sure that you choose an expert who will be able to provide you with a quality service at a reasonable price.

The cost of the work will depend on several factors including the size of the job and how much work needs to be done.

For example, if there are only a few small holes in your wall or chimney, then it may be possible for these to be filled in with mortar and re-pointed by hand. However, if there are large gaps in the brickwork or other factors such as damp issues or cracks in the mortar joints that are located in high areas then it may require more extensive work which may require scaffolding or other specialist equipment.

For this reason, it is important that you get an accurate quote from your contractor before they start any work on-site so that both parties know exactly what is involved and how much money needs to be spent on materials before proceeding further with any kind of project plan.

Here are some of the factors that affect the cost of brick repointing:

Extent/condition of the existing brickwork
Location of the job (if it requires scaffolding or other specialised tools)
Size/dimension of the job
Repointing style
Materials to be used
Job type (whether it’s for your chimney, wall, patio, or entire property)

Local Brick Repointing Specialist in Sydney

Keystone Pointing is the leading brick repointing company that offers specialised brick repointing services for properties in Sydney and nearby areas. We also provide restoration services for heritage masonry on classic historic properties.

We offer this service to both residential customers who want to keep their homes looking beautiful for years to come or commercial clients who want to keep their properties looking their best for potential tenants or clients.

Our repointing service begins with a consultation with one of our licensed tradesmen to assess the damage and determine your needs. We will then evaluate your requirements and come up with a solution from our findings. After that, we will set the timetable for the project.

When we arrive at the site, we remove and grind away all of the damaged and crumbling mortar and ensure that no damaged mortar remains. Then we will inspect the joints between the bricks for any deeper damage and assess the type of mortar used in the original wall.

When matching new mortar to existing mortar, we will select a type that most closely resembles the texture, colour, and style of the original mortar. Finally, we will inject new mortar into the masonry joints and then finish it off as seamlessly as possible.

If you are looking for the best repointing specialists in Sydney and nearby areas, we can help! Call us today to schedule a consultation and get a free quote!