What is Mortar Fretting and How to Fix it?

What Is Mortar Fretting?

Mortar fretting is caused by the migration of salt on the brickwork. It is also known as brickwork face delamination. This happens when water containing salt migrates to the brickwork and then evaporates.

As the brick dries, salt molecules leave behind crystalline residues which grow on the brick's surface. As more of this substance is left behind, the salt crystals grow larger and larger.

The strength of growing salt crystals can be so strong that they can break down the mortar holding bricks together. When this occurs, the mortar will start to deteriorate and eventually fall off.

When inspecting your external brickwork, look at the cement joints. Crumbling or powdery mortar can be an indication that your brickwork is fretting.

Inspect the following signs in your brickworks to determine if they are fretting:

1. Mortar crumbling and eroding from the mortar joints or a complete lack of mortar where it’s worn away between the bricks

2. Joints that are loose or have gaps between them that are wider than normal

3. Cracks in the mortar joints and bricks themselves

When addressed in a timely manner, these issues can be corrected with relatively little expense. A professional inspection will ensure that the problem areas are caught before they become more expensive to repair.

The presence of fretting or decaying mortar can allow moisture to build up behind the wall, which can cause damage inside your home such as damp, mould growth, and insect infestation. Over time, fretting mortar can cause the wall ties to rust and break, which may lead to a total collapse of the wall.

Although brick is a strong material, when compromised by weak mortar, it will eventually break. Small cracks or crumbling on your brickwork might not seem like a problem, but they are a sign of uneven weight distribution.

The repair process is pretty straightforward and is usually done by a professional. The challenge, however, is matching the colour of the existing mortar. If this step is not done properly, it will devalue your residence rather than increase its value.

Homeowners usually choose brick repointing to reinforce the mortar. Because brick repointing involves removing the old mortar and replacing it with a new one, it is a highly effective method of strengthening the structural integrity of buildings.

Brick repointing is a process that improves the structural integrity and safety of buildings, as well as protecting them against dampness. Expertise and skill are required to ensure that a brick repointing project is done safely and aesthetically pleasing.

Repointing requires a steady hand and an experienced eye to ensure that the finished product is seamless. The mortar should be properly textured, finished, and coloured.

The brick repointing process is a non-disruptive process that allows you to continue your daily routine while professionals replace the old mortar. It will not only make the brickwork look like new, but will also improve the value of any property.

If you are looking for experts in brick repointing, look no further than us, Keystone Pointing!

Keystone Pointing  is the leading brick and masonry repointing company in Sydney and surrounding areas, with over 14 years of industry experience! Our team is dedicated to providing the best service possible.

We believe that our customers should always be happy with the work we do, so we make sure that they are involved in all stages of the project and consulted on any changes or alterations made during construction. We strive to work closely with clients to make sure their vision is fulfilled and their wishes are met.

At Keystone Pointing, we use only top-quality materials in our work including mortar mixes that have been specially formulated to match your existing mortar, masonry tools designed specifically for this purpose, and high-quality stone that matches your existing material perfectly so it looks seamless when finished.

We always begin every job with a face-to-face consultation with our licenced tradesman to assess the damage and determine what your needs are. This will include a discussion of the desired results, what your options are and when you would like the job completed.

We are proud of our reputation as one of the best brick-repointing company in Sydney  and nearby areas, which we have earned by providing exceptional quality workmanship at an affordable price! So please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment. We are pleased to answer any queries or concerns you might have.