Reviving Your Home’s Charm: The Ultimate Guide to Repointing Brickwork
Brickwork is a vital part of many homes, not just structurally, but aesthetically too. However, the mortar between the bricks can deteriorate over time, which can lead to structural problems and your home looking somewhat shabby. If you understand how to repoint brickwork properly, you can bring your property back to life. This guide will take you through the entire process, from recognising that your home needs repointing to finishing the job, metaphorically and literally, with flair.
Understanding Repointing and Its Importance
Repointing or rebedding entails raking out of damaged mortar and replacing it with new. It restores the exterior appearance of both your building and the brickwork – and, once complete, can greatly extend the life of your brickwork and, in turn, your home’s structure.
Signs That Your Brickwork Needs Repointing
Before investing in a repointing job, check that your masonry needs maintenance. Here are some clues:
Tuck-point: If Mortar is Cracked or Crumbled, Repoint You Don’t: Tuck-point Crack Margin Crack Margin You Do: Tuck-point Cracked/Crumbling Brickwork Cracked or Crumbled Mortar You Don’t: Tuck-point Tuck-point Crack Margin Crack Margin You Do: Tuck-point Cracked/Crumbling Brickwork Cracked or Crumbled Mortar
But gaps between the bricks mean repointing time.
Water Penetration: Water stains or damp patches on interior walls can signal mortar deterioration.
Loose Bricks: Bricks that are out of place loose should be attacked immediately if discovered.
Preparing for the Repointing Process
Repointing is one of those tasks that, if done properly, has lasting results. To ensure a successful project, there are a few things you can do to prepare:
1. Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials
Ensure you have the following tools and materials on hand:
Trowel
Pointing chisel
Mortar mix
Stiff brush
Bucket
Safety goggles
Gloves
2. Choose the Right Mortar Mix
Getting the mortar mix right is vital to the durability of the final finish, as the new stuff needs to have the same composition and colour as the original. If in any doubt about the make-up of the original mortar, take a sample along to your supplier.
3. Clean the Brickwork
Clean the brickwork, using a stiff brush to scrub off dirt, debris and any loose mortar so it’s properly prepared to adhere to the new mortar.
Step-by-Step Repointing Guide
Now that you are prepared, follow these detailed steps to repoint your brickwork effectively:
1. Remove Damaged Mortar
With a pointed chisel and hammer, beat out the broken mortar in the joints. Remove 1 to 1.5 inches of mortar to provide a good base for the new mortar.
2. Clean the Joints
Wipe the joints clean of remaining debris with a stiff brush. Make sure the joints are clean with no loose materials.
3. Mix the New Mortar
Mix your mortar according to the product instruction; the consistency should be smooth but not too runny.
4. Apply the New Mortar
With a trowel spread the new mortar over the joints. Ram it into the joints with the edge of the trowel. Smooth it by drawing the trowel over it several times.
5. Shape the Joints
Point the tool into the mortar joints and use it to draw shapes that will improve the visual appeal of the brickwork and help prevent the loss of mortar.
6. Allow the Mortar to Cure
Allow the mortar to cure for at least a day. Do not touch the brick until it is set.
7. Clean the Surface
When the mortar is dry, brush the bricks down with a damp cloth to remove any excess.
Maintenance Tips for Long-Lasting Results
With proper maintenance, you shouldn’t need to do any repointing again. Here are some tips:
Regularly inspect your brickwork for signs of damage.
Clean the brickwork periodically to prevent dirt buildup.
Address any minor issues promptly to prevent them from escalating.
Hiring a Professional vs. DIY Repointing
Although repointing is among the most rewarding of do-it-yourself projects, there are times when it pays to hire a professional. Get help if:
You lack the necessary skills and experience.
The brickwork is severely damaged.
You have a large area to repoint.
Cost Considerations
Pricing for repointing is dependent on how much damage needs to be redone, the square footage of the area, and whether you hire or do it yourself (DIY). Repointing a brick wall with a contractor can cost $5 to $25 per square foot. Homeowners can handle the maintenance themselves with enough investment in the necessary tools and materials.
Conclusion
Repointed brickwork can add years to the life of your house and make it look all the better for the effort. The steps to rectify the pointing yourself are straightforward and a worthwhile home improvement. A smart bit of maintenance now and again, and judicious targeting of repairs, will keep your brickwork looking good for years to come.