How to Tell if Your House Needs Repointing
Mortar is meant to weather in preference to the bricks, so over the years it wears back, cracks and eventually starts to fail. Catching this at the right time is much cheaper than leaving it until the bricks themselves are damaged. Here is what to look for.
Crumbling or loose mortar
Mortar that has genuinely failed tends to be soft, loose or missing, turning to sand and falling out of the joints to leave gaps. It is worth remembering that lime mortar is naturally softer than cement, and a little surface friability on its own does not mean the whole joint has gone. What matters is significant loss of material, open joints and mortar that is loose to any real depth. There is no need to attack the joints with a key or a tool to test them, as that can damage sound mortar. A professional assessment is the reliable way to tell normal ageing apart from mortar that has actually failed.
Joints that have worn back
Look along the wall from the side. Some joints are finished slightly recessed by design, so a joint sitting a little back from the brick face is not automatically a problem. The warning sign is significant weathering and erosion well beyond the intended profile, where the mortar has worn back so far that water can collect in the joints. At that point they need refilling.
Cracks, gaps and missing mortar
Cracks running through the pointing, open gaps and sections where the mortar has fallen out completely all let water into the wall. Exposed elevations that face the prevailing wind and rain usually go first.
Damp appearing inside
Damp patches on internal walls, particularly on exposed elevations or chimney breasts, can be a sign that water is getting in through failed joints. Repointing is not just cosmetic; sound joints are part of keeping the wall watertight.
Not sure? Ask us to take a look
If you are not certain, send us a few photographs and we can give you an initial view, or arrange a look at the property. We will tell you honestly what needs doing and what can wait.