Standard and Lime Mortar Repointing
Brick Repointing in Liverpool
Weathered, cracked or missing mortar can allow water to penetrate masonry and gradually affect the appearance and condition of a building.
Roofer & Builder provides professional brick repointing across Liverpool, Merseyside, Wirral and surrounding areas. We undertake both standard mortar repointing and traditional lime mortar repointing for suitable properties.
Our experienced team will assess the brickwork, consider the existing mortar and recommend a repointing approach appropriate for the age, condition and construction of the building.
Protecting and Restoring Your Brickwork
Mortar joints form an important part of a masonry wall. Over time, exposure to rain, frost, wind and general weathering can cause mortar to crack, erode or fall away.
Repointing involves carefully removing deteriorated mortar from the joints and replacing it with new mortar suited to the existing masonry.
The correct mortar is important. Modern brickwork may be suitable for a conventional cement-based mortar, while many older and traditionally constructed properties require a more breathable lime mortar that works with softer bricks and historic masonry.
Using a mortar that is too hard for the surrounding brickwork can contribute to trapped moisture and damage to the masonry, which is why the existing materials should be considered before work begins.
Matching the Joint Finish and Colour
In short: good repointing is as much about the finish as the mortar. The shape of the joint and the colour of the mix both affect how well a wall sheds rain and how the repair looks, so we match them to the existing brickwork.
- Bucket handle: a shallow curved recess that compresses the mortar surface and sheds water well.
- Weatherstruck: angled so the top of the joint sits slightly back and the bottom is flush, throwing water off each course.
- Flush: finished level with the brick face, often used with lime mortar on older or worn bricks.
- Recessed: set back for a strong shadow line, but it leaves a ledge for water, so it suits sheltered walls better than exposed ones.
We avoid ribbon or strap pointing, where mortar is built out proud of the brick face, because it traps water against the bricks and tends to crack away. Mortar colour comes mainly from the sand, and new pointing usually looks brighter at first before toning down, so a small trial area helps confirm the match.
When Repointing Is Not the Whole Answer
Repointing only deals with the joints, so we look for signs that something else is affecting the wall:
- Stair-shaped cracks that zigzag along the joints can indicate movement, which needs investigating before it is pointed over.
- Horizontal cracks repeating every few courses in a cavity wall can be a sign of corroded wall ties.
- Saturated brickwork below a leaking gutter or downpipe will keep eroding new mortar until the guttering is put right.
- Lead flashings at roof abutments are wedged into the mortar joints, so pointing along these junctions is often combined with lead flashing repairs.
Repointing a chimney is usually done alongside checks on the flaunching, pots and flashing, covered on our chimney repairs page. Where wider defects come to light, our building works team can assess them.
Brick Pointing
Our Repointing Services
Standard Brick Repointing
We remove loose and deteriorated mortar and repoint suitable modern brickwork using an appropriate mortar mix selected for the existing construction.
Lime Mortar Repointing
Older buildings may require lime mortar rather than a modern cement-based mix. We undertake lime repointing where this is appropriate for the existing masonry.
Localised Repointing Repairs
Where deterioration is limited to a defined area, localised repointing can restore damaged joints without unnecessarily repointing the entire elevation.
Full Wall and Elevation
Where mortar deterioration is widespread, larger sections or complete elevations may require repointing to provide a more consistent and effective repair.
High-Level Repointing
Parapets and other high-level masonry can deteriorate quickly due to exposure. We undertake repointing and repairs where safe access can be provided.
Brickwork and Mortar Repairs
Where damaged mortar is accompanied by deteriorated bricks, we can assess whether local brick replacement or other masonry repairs are also required.
How It Works
How We Approach Repointing Work
Assess the Existing Brickwork
We inspect the visible condition of the mortar joints, surrounding bricks and areas of deterioration for repair or replacement.
Consider the Existing Mortar
We assess the type and condition of the existing mortar and consider whether standard or lime-based is more appropriate.
Prepare the Mortar & Joints
3. Prepare the Mortar & Joints Loose and deteriorated mortar is carefully removed to a suitable depth so the new mortar can be properly placed within the joint.
Repoint the Masonry
The joints are repointed using the agreed mortar and finished to suit the existing brickwork and character of the property.
Why Us
Why Choose Roofer & Builder?
Liverpool-Based Builders
We are based in the Liverpool area and undertake repointing work throughout Merseyside, Wirral and neighbouring locations.
Standard and Lime Repointing
We work with both conventional and lime-based mortar systems depending on the age, condition and construction of the property.
Building and Roofing
Repointing often forms part of wider external repair work. Our combined building and roofing experience allows us to consider the surrounding structure.
Localised and Larger Projects
We undertake smaller repair areas as well as more extensive wall, elevation and chimney repointing projects.
Clear Advice and Quotations
We assess the condition of the masonry, explain the recommended work and provide a clear quotation before proceeding.
Associated Masonry Repairs
Where repointing reveals damaged bricks or other defects, we can assess the additional building repairs required.
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FAQs
Brick Pointing FAQs
What is brick repointing?
Brick repointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the joints between bricks and replacing it with new mortar. This helps restore the condition of the masonry and reduce water penetration through damaged joints.
How do I know if my brickwork needs repointing?
Common signs include cracked mortar, loose joints, gaps between bricks, crumbling mortar and areas where the joint has worn noticeably back from the face of the brickwork.
What is the difference between cement and lime mortar?
Standard repointing commonly uses a cement-based mortar suited to many modern buildings. Lime mortar is generally softer and more breathable, making it more appropriate for many older and traditionally constructed properties.
Can the wrong mortar damage brickwork?
Yes. A mortar that is too hard or unsuitable for the surrounding masonry can restrict moisture movement and contribute to damage in softer bricks or historic materials. The existing construction should be considered before repointing begins.
Can you repoint just one section of a wall?
Yes. Localised repointing can be suitable where deterioration is limited to a particular area. More extensive repointing may be recommended where mortar failure is widespread.
How much does brick repointing cost?
The cost depends on the size and height of the area, access requirements, the condition of the existing mortar and whether standard or lime mortar is required. We will assess the work and provide a quotation based on the agreed scope.
When is the best time of year for repointing?
Repointing is best avoided when frost is forecast, and lime mortar in particular needs protecting from frost, heavy rain and fast drying while it hardens. Spring to early autumn is generally the most reliable period, especially for lime work. Before filling, the joints are raked out, typically to around twice their width, then brushed and dampened so dry bricks do not draw water from the new mortar.
Do I need scaffolding for repointing?
It depends on the height and position of the work. Low garden walls and ground-floor brickwork can often be reached safely without it, but gable ends, upper storeys and parapets normally need scaffolding or a tower. Access is planned to suit the job, following HSE advice on work at height, and itemised in your quotation.
Areas We Serve
Brick Pointing Across Merseyside
From our base in Maghull we cover Liverpool and the surrounding towns. Find your local page:
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Head Office
Maghull Business Centre, 1 Liverpool Road North, Maghull, Liverpool L31 2HB
Opening Hours
Office: Mon–Sat 10:00–18:00
Emergency line: 24/7