If you own a Victorian home or older property, you’ve probably heard about repointing. But how long should good repointing work actually last? It’s a question we get asked all the time at G.P Brickwork, and the answer depends on several important factors.
What Is Repointing?
Repointing is the process of removing old, damaged mortar from between bricks and replacing it with fresh mortar. Think of mortar as the glue that holds your brick walls together. Over time, weather, age, and general wear cause this mortar to crack, crumble, or fall out completely from the mortar joints.
When done properly, repointing protects your building from water damage and keeps the structure strong. It’s one of the most important maintenance jobs you can do for older homes, whether you live in a semi-detached house or a larger Victorian property.
How Long Should Repointing Last?
Good quality repointing should last between 25 to 50 years. However, this can vary quite a bit depending on several factors. When we carry out brick repointing work to high standards, we often see it lasting even longer than this.
Weather and Climate
Buildings that face harsh weather conditions won’t last as long. Properties exposed to driving rain, strong winds, or frequent freeze-thaw cycles will need repointing more often. South-facing walls often need attention sooner because they get more direct sunlight and weather. The mortar dries differently in various conditions, which affects how long it lasts.
Quality of Materials Used
The type of mortar used makes a huge difference to your brickwork. Traditional lime mortar and lime based mortars are perfect for older buildings and can last decades when mixed and applied correctly. These materials allow brick walls to breathe naturally and move slightly without cracking.
Cement mortar might seem stronger, but it can actually damage old bricks over time. Cement is much harder than traditional bricks, so when the building moves naturally, the bricks crack instead of the mortar joints. This is why we always try to match the existing mortar type when doing repointing work.
Workmanship Standards
This is perhaps the most important factor. Professional brick repointing done by experienced craftsmen will last much longer than rushed or amateur work. Proper preparation, correct mortar mixing, and careful application all affect how long the work lasts.
The preparation stage is crucial. Old mortar must be removed properly using tools like a hammer and chisel or carefully with a diamond blade. We remove mortar to the right depth – usually about twice the width of the mortar joints. Both horizontal and vertical joints need equal attention.
Building Age and Condition
Victorian and older buildings need special care. The original bricks were often softer than modern ones, so they need compatible materials and techniques. A building that’s been well-maintained throughout its life will generally need less frequent repointing.
Older homes often used traditional building methods like flemish bond brickwork, which requires specific knowledge to repoint correctly. The mortar beds between courses of bricks also need careful attention to maintain the building’s structural integrity.
Signs Your Repointing Might Need Attention
Keep an eye out for these warning signs in your brickwork:
- Mortar that’s cracking or crumbling in the mortar joints
- Gaps appearing between bricks
- White staining on the wall (called efflorescence)
- Damp patches inside the building
- Loose or wobbly bricks
- Problems with the damp proof course
- Water is getting through brick walls during heavy rain
Why Quality Matters in Repointing Work
Poor repointing can actually exacerbate the issue and increase the cost of repointing in the long run. Using the wrong type of mortar or rushing the job can lead to:
- Water is getting into the building through failed mortar joints
- Damage to the original bricks
- More expensive repairs later on
- The need to redo the work much sooner
- Problems with the building’s damp proof course
According to Historic England, using appropriate materials and techniques is essential for preserving historic buildings. They emphasise that modern cement mortars can be too hard for old bricks, causing the bricks themselves to crack instead of the mortar.
The Repointing Process
Understanding what good repointing involves helps you see why quality work lasts longer. When repointing a wall properly, several steps are essential:
Preparation: Old mortar is carefully removed from mortar joints using appropriate tools. The depth needs to be right – too shallow and the new mortar won’t bond properly, too deep and you risk damaging the bricks.
Material Selection: The right mortar mix is crucial. Lime mortar or lime based mortars are usually best for older homes. The new mortar should match the existing mortar in strength and appearance.
Application: Fresh mortar is carefully pressed into the joints, ensuring no air gaps. Both vertical joints and horizontal joints need equal attention. The work must be done when conditions are right – not too hot, cold, or windy.
Finishing: Once the mortar dries to the right consistency, it’s finished to match the existing pointing style. This might be flush, slightly recessed, or weatherstruck depending on the original design.
Making Your Repointing Last Longer
You can help extend the life of your repointing by:
Regular Inspections: Check your brick walls every year, especially after harsh weather. Look for any signs of damage in the mortar joints early.
Keep Gutters Clear: Blocked gutters cause water to overflow onto walls, which can damage mortar much faster and affect your damp proof course.
Fix Problems Quickly: Small issues become big problems if left alone. A few loose pointing joints are much cheaper to fix than waiting until whole sections need redoing.
Choose the Right Professionals: Specialist brick repointing from experienced companies will always last longer than budget work. Look for contractors who understand the difference between lime mortar and cement mortar.
Maintain to High Standards: Regular maintenance of your brickwork, including checking mortar beds and ensuring proper drainage, helps everything last longer.
Understanding the Cost of Repointing
Many people worry about the cost of repointing, but it’s important to think long-term. Quality repointing that lasts 50 years works out much cheaper than poor work that needs redoing every 10-15 years.
The cost depends on several factors:
- The size of the area needing work
- The type of building and access required
- Whether you need lime-based mortars or other specialist materials
- The condition of the existing brickwork
- The complexity of the pointing pattern
For a typical semi-detached house, proper repointing is an investment that protects your property value and prevents much more expensive structural problems later.
The Bottom Line
Well-executed repointing should protect your building for decades. While the initial cost might seem significant, good repointing work is actually excellent value when you consider how long it lasts.
At G.P Brickwork, we specialise in working with Victorian and historic properties across London and Essex. We understand that every building is different, and we take the time to use the right materials and techniques for your specific property. Whether your home has flemish bond brickwork, needs lime mortar, or requires careful attention to match the existing pointing style, we maintain high standards throughout.
Remember, repointing isn’t just about making your building look good – it’s about protecting one of your biggest investments for years to come. When done properly to high standards, it’s a job that should serve you well for decades.
If you’re concerned about the condition of your brickwork or think your property might need repointing, don’t wait. Early action is always more cost-effective than emergency repairs, and proper maintenance of your mortar joints now can save thousands later.