Repoint or repair brickwork

Owning a home with exposed exterior brickwork eliminates the need for costly and inconvenient exterior painting, including the rental of scaffolding. However, brickwork and mortar joints will eventually decay, allowing water ingress and potential damage to your home. When you notice missing mortar or crumbling bricks, it’s essential to hire a builder to repair the brickwork or repoint the mortar.

About the Role of Repointing

Repointing, also known as pointing or tuckpointing, involves using a pointed trowel to chip out old, crumbling mortar and replace it with new mortar. This process restores the integrity of the brickwork and protects against water damage.

Frequency of Repointing

A well-built brick wall’s mortar should last approximately 50 years before requiring repointing. However, small sections—such as those around windows or chimneys—may need earlier attention if exposed to excessive damp or pooling water.

Matching Mortar Types

Builders must match the original mortar type to ensure proper bonding and moisture management. Pre-World War II homes typically used lime-based mortar, which flexes with brick movement and allows moisture to escape. Modern homes use cement-based mortar. Applying new mortar over loose or crumbling old mortar is ineffective; the builder must first remove the damaged mortar before applying fresh mortar to ensure a solid bond.

Cost of Repointing and Brickwork Repair

The majority of repointing costs stem from skilled labor and potential scaffolding needs. Below are average labor costs for common repointing and brickwork repair jobs:

• Replacing a row of 5 bricks and repointing: £300 per day
• Repointing a small section of wall: £200 per day
• Repointing an entire terraced wall: £450 per day
• Tuckpointing a small garden wall: £200 per day
• Removing a cracked brick and repointing around it: £180 per day
• Repointing a 3-bedroom semi-detached house: £1,000 per day

Signs Your Brickwork Needs Attention

Regularly inspect your brickwork for signs of deterioration, especially in older homes. Key indicators include:

• Damaged bricks: Crumbling or cracked bricks allow moisture to seep into your home, compromising structural integrity. Severely damaged bricks must be cut out and replaced with matching bricks.
• Failed pointing: Incorrect mortar (e.g., modern cement used on lime-based brickwork) can trap moisture, leading to brick deterioration. This may appear as frozen moisture on the brick surface.
• Efflorescence: White salt deposits on brickwork indicate moisture issues. While not structurally harmful, affected bricks should be replaced for aesthetic and long-term durability.
• Accidental surface damage: Abrasive cleaning can remove the protective layer of brickwork, leaving bricks vulnerable to weather. Damaged bricks must be replaced.
• Damp: Interior damp patches may signal water penetration through brickwork or mortar. Faulty gutters or downpipes can exacerbate this issue and should be repaired promptly.

Additional Builder Job Estimates

• Screeding a 17m² living room with traditional screed: £534
• Repointing or repairing brickwork: £405
• Chimney breast removal: £800
• Building a retaining wall: £320