REPOINTING BRICK IN LONDON
Brick Pointing and Restoration
CALL US TODAY! - ☎ 07716 774700
Repointing is the process of renewing the pointing, which is the external part of mortar joints, in masonry construction. Repointing brick is an essential job if you want your home to weather the elements and still look good. Over time, weathering and decay cause voids in the joints between masonry units, usually in bricks, allowing the undesirable entrance of water. Water entering through these voids can cause significant damage through frost weathering and from salt dissolution.
Repointing brickwork should be high on the priority list. The correct repointing can assist in waterproofing and stabilizing the walls of the structure, extend the life of the wall and individual stones and enhance the visual qualities of natural stone walls.
The importance of repointing brick with the correct material cannot be over-emphasised. Incorrect pointing can seriously reduce the performance of a wall and by implication a building. Water can become trapped behind dense mortar and not evaporate, and this poor work can result in physical damage to the brick or stone surface.
Traditionally, the first mortar for repointing brickwork was made with lime and sand, which would make lime putty.
We, understand the benefits that lime mortar has when repointing brick, so we always explain to our customers the difference of lime mortar and cement pointing. If cement mortar is used, water will not escape the walls, and you will have damp problems inside the house as well.
Our aim is to restore your brick facade to its highest standard based on our genuine understanding of the property using traditional materials and craftsmanship. At ACRA Exterior Cleaning we understand the buildings fabric and we only use traditional materials for repointing brickwork.
REPOINTING BRICK PROCESS
Furthermore, repointing London bricks can be a crucial aspect of maintaining the structural integrity of a building. Over time, mortar joints between bricks can deteriorate due to factors like weathering, age, and improper maintenance. Repointing involves removing damaged or deteriorated mortar and replacing it with fresh mortar. This process helps to strengthen the wall, improve water resistance, and prevent further damage by stopping moisture infiltration. Proper repointing of London bricks is essential to ensure the longevity and stability of the structure, as well as to preserve its historic and aesthetic value. Hiring a professional contractor with expertise in repointing is recommended for achieving the best results while adhering to the specific requirements of London brickwork.
Flush Pointing
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
To repoint bricks, follow these steps:
1. Start by assessing the condition of the existing mortar joints. If they are cracked, loose, or deteriorated, it's time to repoint.
2. Use a chisel, mortar rake, or angle grinder with a diamond blade to remove the old mortar from the joints. Be careful not to damage the bricks.
3. Clean out the dust and debris from the joints using a brush or compressed air.
4. Prepare the mortar mix according to the manufacturer's instructions. It should be a consistency that is workable but not too wet.
5. Wet the cleaned joints with water to prevent excessive absorption of moisture from the fresh mortar.
6. Use a pointing trowel or a mortar jointing tool to carefully fill the joints with the new mortar mix. Make sure to press it firmly and compactly into the joints.
7. Use a striking tool or a pointing trowel to shape the mortar joint, matching the existing style, such as concave, flush, or weatherstruck.
8. Allow the freshly repointed area to dry for a day or two, protecting it from direct sunlight and extreme weather conditions to prevent cracking.
Remember to prioritize safety by wearing protective goggles, gloves, and a dust mask during the repointing process. It may be beneficial to consult with a professional if you're unsure or dealing with a large-scale repointing project.
Removal of old mortar
After examination, the next step is cutting away the old mortar. The old mortar is removed to a depth equal to or slightly more than the width of the joint, or to the point where sound mortar is reached. Removal of old mortar between joints is done carefully to avoid damage to masonry units. On buildings with soft materials, such as under-fired brick, lime mortar, or terra cotta, removal by hand is often the most effective to avoid damage.
After the mortar has been cut out, the joints are vacuumed or brushed clean. After vacuuming, the remaining debris is removed with a water from the top of the masonry area down
Filling in new mortar
The areas with the deepest recession of mortar are filled first. The mortar is placed in several layers, starting with the first layer of 1/4 inch. It is hardened to a desired strength then another 1/4 inch layer is added. The process is continued until the mortar is flush with the masonry. High-lime mortar dries rapidly, so after it reaches a particular strength it needs to be sprayed with water to avoid chalking, poor adhesion, or poor durability. The structure is misted every two hours for two days, then every four hours for two days. It is important that the mortar stays wet for at least a couple of days while it is setting. The local conditions will control how long the structure should be kept wet, however. Burlap or plastic is placed over the repointed wall or structure. This keeps the building damp and eliminates direct sunlight. The burlap and the plastic are not resting against the structure, however. The burlap or plastic are anchored to the ground to avoid this.
Types of pointing
The joints of pointed work are finished in various shapes. This finishing of pointing work into different types is described below. The choice of the type of pointed finish depends on the type of masonry, nature of building structure and effect of finish desired.
- Flush Pointing
In this type, the raked joints are filled up with mortar and finished off flush with the face of the wall. The edges are neatly trimmed with a trowel and the straight edge.
- Struck Pointing
In this type, the face of the pointing, instead of keeping vertical, is kept sloping outwards. To achieve this, the mortar is first filled up into the raked joint and then top horizontal joints (while still green) is pressed inside by an amount of 3 to 6 mm with pointing tool.
- Recessed Pointing
Here, the face of the pointing is kept vertical and is pressed inside the plane of the wall by means of a suitable tool. This type is not generally recommended but may be used for facing work for good textured bricks and good quality mortar.
- Rubbed Pointing
In this type, the raked joints, whether vertical or horizontal, are first filled up flush with the face of wall, and then a semi-circular notch is formed by a tool known as ‘pointer’. The pointing is known as rubbed pointing as semi-circular notch is formed by rubbing the middle of joints by steel tool, i.e. pointer. Grooved pointing has a bigger groove on the face than the keyed pointing.
- Tuck Pointing
In this type, the mortar is first pressed in the raked joints and is finished flush with the face of the wall. While the pressed mortar is still green, a narrow channel or groove (having width = 5 mm, and depth = 3 mm) is formed at the centre of the joints. This groove is then filled in (or tucked in, hence, known as tuck pointing) with white lime putty.
- Beaded Pointing
In this type, the raked joints are first filled up with mortar and finished flush with the face of the wall and then bead is formed by a steel or iron rod with a concave edge in the middle of joint. This type of pointing though having a good appearance, is easily liable to damage.
REPOINTING COST in LONDON
There are few factors that will influence the cost of repointing brickwork in London.
First, it will be the size of the wall, the type of pointing that need to be cut of, the type of pointing that you will choose.