When & Why Should You Repoint Fireplace Brickwork

A brick fireplace brings warmth and charm to any home, but without regular and proper upkeep, it can become a safety hazard. Constant heat, moisture and wear weaken the mortar, potentially resulting in loose bricks and potential fire risks.



Repointing fireplaces solves this problem by replacing deteriorated mortar with fresh, durable material. It’s an efficient way to extend the life of your brick fireplace and keep it safe for use, making sure those cosy nights by the fire stay worry-free.

Repointing Fireplace Brickwork: An Overview

A well-maintained fireplace keeps your home warm and cosy, but only if it’s in good nick. Repointing is the process of removing the old, crumbling mortar and replacing it with a fresh mix. This keeps the structure durable and makes sure your fireplace stays safe and looking good as new.

Unlike other brickwork in your home, fireplaces are exposed to intense heat and rapid temperature changes. This constant stress causes the mortar to crack and deteriorate faster than usual. Without timely repointing, your fireplace could become unstable, unsafe and inefficient, which can result in weak joints, smoke leaks or even major structural issues. 

If you're wondering how to repoint a brick fireplace, it's important to know that it's a specialised task requiring skill, precision and the right materials to guarantee long-term durability. That’s why it’s best left to professionals who specialise in masonry and heritage brick restoration.

Why Should You Repoint a Fireplace?

Keeping your fireplace in good working condition offers a lot of benefits. That’s why repointing fireplace brickwork should be on your maintenance checklist.

Prevents Structural Damage

Weak mortar can cause bricks to loosen and compromise stability. Repointing strengthens the structure and prevents costly repairs or even collapse.

Enhances Fire Safety

Crumbling mortar and loose bricks create fire hazards by allowing heat to escape into unwanted areas. Fresh mortar keeps everything sealed and secure, reducing fire risks.

Improves Heating Efficiency

A properly sealed fireplace retains heat better which makes it more efficient in warming your home.

Extends Fireplace Lifespan

Regular maintenance protects the brickwork from wear and tear.

Prevents Water Damage

Gaps in mortar let moisture seep in, leading to mould and even brick erosion. Repointing blocks out water and prevents these issues before they start.

Boosts Home Value

A well-maintained fireplace adds charm and functionality to your home, which makes it more appealing to buyers and increases its market value.

Enhances Appeal

Freshly repointed mortar restores your fireplace to its original beauty and gives it a clean, polished look.

Avoids Expensive Repairs

Timely repointing fireplaces saves money and prevents bigger headaches by preventing major structural problems from happening.

Maintains Compliance

Building regulations require fireplaces to be structurally sound and safe to use. Repointing makes sure your fireplace meets safety standards.

Restores Fireplace Functionality

Proper repointing seals fireplace gaps which prevents smoke leaks and improves its performance.

How to Repoint a Brick Fireplace

Repointing a fireplace is a precise job that requires professional expertise to guarantee durability and safety. At Keystone Pointing,  we specialise in repointing fireplace brickwork, providing skilled services to bring worn-out fireplaces back to life with expert craftsmanship. Here’s how we do it:

Assessment

We inspect the condition of the fireplace and identify areas that need repointing or repair. This assessment helps us determine the extent of the repointing work.

Cleaning

All loose mortar, soot and debris are carefully removed from the brick joints for the new mortar to adhere to and strengthen the bond between the bricks.

Repair and Replacement

Any damaged bricks or joints are either repaired or replaced to restore the structural integrity of the fireplace.

Surface Restoration

The new mortar is matched to the original brickwork in both texture and colour to achieve a seamless and aesthetically pleasing finish that blends well with the rest of the fireplace.

Chimney Inspection

The chimney is also assessed for any cracks or structural issues. If needed, repairs are made to make sure the chimney works properly.

Sealing and Waterproofing

Protective coatings are applied to the mortar to prevent moisture infiltration.

Signs That Tell You Need to Repoint Your Fireplace

Over time, your fireplace may show signs that it's time for repointing. Catching these early can prevent further damage and maintain both the safety and efficiency of your fireplace.

1. Cracks and Structural Damage

Visible cracks in the bricks or mortar can weaken the fireplace structure. These cracks can expand if left untreated, potentially leading to larger structural issues.

2. Loose or Damaged Bricks

Bricks that are shifting or falling out of place signal that the mortar holding them together has weakened.

3. Stains and Discolouration

Dark soot or smoke stains around the fireplace indicate that the mortar has started to deteriorate. Stains usually appear when the mortar no longer seals tightly, allowing soot and smoke to escape.

4. Deteriorating Mortar

Crumbling, missing or eroded mortar between bricks is a clear sign that the fireplace needs attention.

5. Gaps in the Mortar Joints

If you notice visible spaces between the bricks, it means the mortar has weakened and is no longer providing the necessary bond.

6. Inefficient Heating

A fireplace that doesn’t retain heat as effectively is a sign of a problem with the mortar.

7. Excessive Smoke Leaks

Smoke escaping from unexpected areas such as the chimney or joints is a major red flag.

8. Water Damage or Dampness

If moisture is building up inside or around the fireplace, it could be a result of deteriorating mortar joints.

Keystone Pointing: The Repointing Fireplace Brickwork Specialist

Proper repointing of fireplace brickwork is a must for the durability, safety and efficiency of your fireplace. Repointing makes sure your fireplace stays strong and functional.

Here at Keystone Pointing, we offer fireplace brick repointing and tuckpointing services. Our extensive years of experience in heritage and modern masonry are what made us the go-to specialist in brick repointing as we bring precision, skill and care to every project.

Ready to restore your fireplace? Contact us now for professional repointing services!