From new to centuries-old edifices, brick buildings are admired for their strength, aesthetic value, and classic feel. But like all structures, the mortar that holds these bricks together eventually wears out with time.
Repointing is the very important process of renewing that mortar to maintain the life of brickwork and protect it from weather-related damages. To the homeowner and property manager, understanding when and why repointing is necessary could save you from costly repairs down the line.
In this article, we consider the process of repointing, the benefits, ways to determine whether such work is required, and why professionals should do this sensitive job.
What Is Repointing?
The process of removing damaged, crumbling, or deteriorated mortar between bricks or stones and replacing it with fresh mortar is called repointing.
Because of exposure to bad weather conditions like rain, wind, and changes in temperature, mortar becomes subject to cracking, erosion, or being washed away over time.
Unaddressed compromised mortar eventually leads to serious structural issues. It allows water to seep into the bricks, which in turn can cause further damage to the bricks and all structures of the whole assembly.
Signs That Repointing is Needed
As time wears on, the mortar in brickwork will weaken due to weathering and natural aging. In such a regard, knowing all the signs that may indicate repointing is necessary since delays in repair may lead one to incur more damage. Some of the common signs include:
Cracked or Crumbling Mortar
Cracks in the mortar joints or the areas where mortar started to crumble away indicate clearly when repointing is required. This decay weakens the inter-bonding between the bricks and can result in instability.
Gaps in Mortar Joints
Gaps between visible courses caused by erosion or loss of mortar render the structure vulnerable to moisture and weather-related attacks. These gaps are urgent signs that repointing is necessary.
Water Infiltration
Once the mortar is broken down and porous or nonexistent in some places, moisture can enter the walls. Over time, this scenario can result in serious structural damage, including mold growth, weakened bricks, and even internal wall damage.
Loose or Shifting Bricks
Loosed or misplaced bricks in the structure would mean the mortar has degraded further, and it's time for a replacement. This repointing will reinstate the bond between the bricks and thereby help to stabilize the structure.
Powdery Mortar
When the mortar becomes powdery to the touch, that's another clear indication of degradation. It often results from a process called "spalling." If left unaddressed, this can cause the mortar to crumble away entirely.
The Repointing Process
Repointing is a detailed and methodical process that requires great skill and precision. This process of repointing will involve the following steps:
1. Inspection and Mortar Matching
The evaluation of the condition of the existing mortar then follows this. In this regard, the professional has to survey the building for the extent of damage before choosing the correct type of mortar that should be applied.
It may also imply matching the new mortar to the original one for structural integrity and visual reasons. The new mortar has to be similar to the existing one in color, texture, and composition for an ideal repair to be realized.
2. Removal of Damaged Mortar
After inspection, the old and damaged mortar between the joints is carefully removed. The normal tools used during this operation include chiseling and, at times, a mechanical grinder.
Depending on the damage level, the depth at which the mortar is removed often extends a quarter inch or more. One must be careful not to damage the surrounding bricks during this operation.
3. Cleaning of Joints
Once the old mortar has been cleared, the joints between the bricks are thoroughly cleaned to remove dust, dirt, or loose particles that might affect bonding when new mortar is applied. It will assure the proper adhesion and strength among the brick joint mortar.
4. Preparation and Applying New Mortar
The new mortar is prepared and applied using a pointing trowel once the joints have been cleaned. Once the mortar has been applied, the joints are packed and then finished to ensure that the gaps are evenly filled so as to stabilize the structure.
For the purpose of maintaining the wall appearance, the application has to be executed accurately. The joints are also completed to their original look, whether flush, recessed, or weathered.
5. Curing and Final Inspection
The mortar is allowed to cure for several days after applying it. During this period, it begins to set and firm up, hence restoring the structural integrity. Finally, the repointing job is inspected for proper completion and structural safety.
Advantages of Repointing
The advantages associated with repointing are not limited to aesthetic appeal alone; there are other significant advantages. The main advantages include:
1. Structural Stability
Probably the single most essential reason for repointing is that it improves structural stability for a brick building. If you replace crumbling or deteriorated mortar, you increase the bonding between bricks so that the building stands upright and remains intact for years beyond expectations.
2. No Water Damages
Water seepage is one of the major risks to brick structures. Where mortar joints have been breached, water enters the brickwork and causes significant internal damage, including mold. Repointing closes those openings and keeps water out, protecting the building's life.
3. Boosts Aesthetic Appeal
Poor mortar will, over time, really detract from the look of a brick building. Repointing gives the structure back its original beauty by renewing the lines of mortar, which leaves the building looking new and cared for.
4. Economical Maintenance
Early repointing in the course of mortar deterioration is a great deal more economical than allowing further damage. Routine maintenance through repointing will save you expensive repairs and possible reconstruction later.
5. Increased Property Value
Repointing can add value to your property in terms of its structural integrity and appearance on the curb. Potential buyers will pay so much more for a well-maintained building, no question. This would be a great way to make potential buyers understand the attention given to a property.
Why You Should Employ Professionals for Repointing
Although repointing may sound relatively simple, this work is better left to professionals. This is because, without the requisite skills to perform this craft, poor results will ensue- faults that may range from mortar that does not match to even potential damage to the bricks themselves. Herein are reasons why you need an expert for repointing:
1. Guaranteed Results
When experienced professionals are at work, you are assured of quality work and long-lasting results. Services dealing in brickwork repointing in Adelaide offer the quality and expertise required to keep your brickwork protected and restored effectively.
2. Mortar Matching
Choosing the wrong type may further lead to mismatched joints or even damage to the brickwork. A professional will ensure that the mortar used is compatible with the original in appearance and composition.
3. Time and Efficiency
Repointing can be a very time-consuming process, especially for big structures. If professionals are hired, then the work gets completed within a reasonable timeframe efficiently without compromising the quality.
4. Skill and Precision
Repointing is quite a detailed process, as the new mortar needs to be applied appropriately without further damaging the surrounding bricks. Professionals have been trained in using the right tools and techniques for removing and replacing mortar without compromising the structure.
Final Thoughts
Repointing will provide extra support to brick buildings both structurally and aesthetically. Early attention to mortar deterioration can avoid wider damage, thus ensuring your building remains at its best for many years to come.
If you happen to feel a little weakening in the mortar of your brickwork, do not wait until it gets worse. Go ahead and invest in professional repointing services to preserve your building's beauty and stability.
Jenny Kakoudakis likes to blog about interiors. She launched award-winning Seasons in Colour in 2014 and the luxury interior design blog All The Pretty Homes in 2024. When she is not chasing criminals out of the financial system (her day job), she gets creative by redecorating her own home.