Can I repoint my house myself?

It can also be hard to find a builder willing to take on small repointing jobs, which is why many people choose to carry out repointing on a DIY basis. Don't forget though that DIY repointing will usually require scaffolding hire.

Do you have to remove old mortar before repointing?

The chisels will break the bond between the Portland-based mortar and the brick or stone. In repointing brick usually the repointed joints are less than an inch deep, so removal is safe as long as care is taken with the faces of the masonry units. Remove mortar at least 2x the height of the joint.

Can you repoint over old mortar?

Can You Mortar Over Old Mortar? If your brick is 50 years old or less, you can probably repoint it safely with modern, portland cement–based mortar (although the guy doing the next repointing, who'll have to grind it out, may curse your decision).

Can anyone repoint a wall?

It is possible to do a repointing job yourself. Mortar mix is inexpensive – and, if you have the right tools for the job, it could be done. However, calling in a professional for their advice and service could benefit you greatly.

Will repointing stop damp?

You can do this yourself, or have a professional complete the work for you if it looks like it might take too much time. Repointing is one of the crucial steps in removing penetrating damp from your property.

How to repoint old brickwork

What happens if you don't repoint brickwork?

Failed or unsuitable pointing

The more modern mortar could trap moisture and so prevent it escaping via the mortar joints. This, in turn, would force the moisture to emerge on the brick faces, where it could be frozen and then lead the brick surfaces to crumble.

What is the correct mix for repointing?

A typical mortar mix for Repointing purposes, for use in an area subject to normal weather conditions, would comprise 1 part Portland Cement, 1 part Lime and 5½ parts Sand.

How long does it take to repoint a house?

On average, it takes one to two days to point/repoint a wall, one to five days to perform this work on a chimney, five to seven days if the work is taking place on the side of a house, 12-16 days to point/repoint a semi-detached house, or 15-20 days to point/repoint a terraced house.

What depth should repointing be?

As a general rule, the pointing to be repaired must be dug out to a minimum depth of about two-and-a-half times its thickness, in other words ¾ inch to one inch for regular 3/8-inch pointing. You need to dig at least ¾ inch deep for thinner pointing.

What type of mortar is used for repointing?

Type O mortar, or high-lime mortar, a softer mortar with a low compressive strength of 350 psi, is best suited to repointing for several reasons. The first reason is that type O mortar is softer than the older bricks, and it allows the bricks to expand or contract from temperature changes or stress.

When should I be worried about cracks in brick mortar?

Small, thin vertical brick cracks can show up right after a home has been built and can be traced back to some initial foundation settlement. Though usually minor, these cracks should still be examined by a professional. Wide vertical brick cracks, on the other hand, are serious indicators of a foundation problem.

Do you need scaffolding for repointing?

I would always use scaffold when repointing as its easier and safer. Most professional bricklayers wont entertain repointing from a ladder!! With regards to weatherstruck pointing, I don't ever recommend it as it only looks good in the right place and houses isn't one of them.

Can you repoint brick in the winter?

Repoint only when temperatures remain between 40 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, even at night. Cold makes mortar brittle, while heat dries it out and prevents hardening. Keep fresh lime mortar damp for at least 3 days so it can harden before it dries.

Is repointing brick expensive?

It costs between $3 and $15 per square foot to repoint brick, though the average homeowner pays $8 per square foot. Costs can rise to $15 per square foot or more depending on the materials used, local rates, and the mason's experience.

What's involved in repointing a house?

Repointing a patio or driveway stops weeds from getting through and fixes cracks in the existing mortar. Much like with brick walls, the mortar is removed, the space cleaned, and refilled. Usually, this is done with a resin or polymeric mortar. Repointing a patio costs around £10 – £20 per m².

Can you render instead of repointing?

Rendering will give you a more waterproof solution but not always the best. If it has been converted properly it will be a double skin wall and insulated in which case repointing will as good a remedy. Personally i would always rather retain the natural brickwork unless beyond pointing due to spalling of the bricks.

Do you need plasticiser for pointing?

The use of plasticiser in mortar is standard practice & not a special requirement of the Point Master.

Can you add mortar to existing mortar?

Applying fresh mortar on top of old mortar that is loose or falling out will do little or no good; enough of the old mortar must be removed to make room for a layer of new mortar that is at least half an inch thick, and even then it is important to make sure that what is left of the old mortar is still solid and ...

Is repointing a house messy?

I don't think it will damage inside but it can be messy outside. The loose, old mortar will need to be scraped back / removed... there are two ways of doing this - chipping it out with a chisel by hand (lots of small pieces on the floor) or grinding it out with a power tool (lots of dust).

Can you do pointing in the rain?

One thing is very important to note, however – repointing should never be tackled during the winter, as wind and rain will damage the freshly-applied mortar.

How long should repointing last?

When it is done properly, repointing can restore the beauty and functionality of a masonry structure. If the repointing job is done the right way, it can last for quite a long time, namely somewhere between 50 and 100 years.