How to Repoint Brickwork: A Step-by-Step DIY Guide

Repointing brickwork is like giving your home a facelift while protecting it from the elements. Over time, the mortar between bricks can crack, crumble, or wash away, leaving your walls vulnerable to water damage and decay. Whether you’re tackling a garden wall or your home’s exterior, this guide will walk you through repointing brickwork like a pro—no prior experience needed!

Signs You Need to Repoint Brickwork

Before diving in, check if your brickwork needs attention:

• Crumbling mortar: Gaps or powdery residue between bricks.
• Cracks: Visible splits in the mortar joints.
• Damp patches: Moisture seeping through walls.
• Loose bricks: Bricks shifting due to weak mortar.

If you spot these issues, it’s time to roll up your sleeves!

Tools & Materials You’ll Need

Tools:

• Mortar rake or chisel
• Stiff wire brush
• Hawk board & pointing trowel
• Safety glasses, gloves, and dust mask
• Garden hose or spray bottle
• Bucket and mixing paddle

Materials:

• Mortar mix (lime or cement-based—more on this later!)
• Water
• Drop cloths (to protect the area)

Safety First!

• Wear protective gear: Mortar dust and debris can irritate your skin and lungs.
• Check for hazards: Look out for unstable bricks, electrical cables, or asbestos (common in older homes).
• Work in dry weather: Avoid rain or freezing temperatures—mortar needs time to cure.

Step-by-Step Guide to Repointing Brickwork

1. Prepare the Area

• Lay drop cloths to catch debris.
• Remove plants or ivy growing on the wall.

2. Rake Out Old Mortar

• Use a mortar rake or chisel to remove damaged mortar. Aim for a depth of 15–20mm (about the width of your thumb).
• Tip: Start with vertical joints—they’re weaker and easier to clear.
• Brush away dust with a wire brush.

3. Wet the Joints

• Lightly spray the joints with water. This prevents the new mortar from drying too fast and improves adhesion.

4. Mix the Mortar

• For lime mortar (ideal for old homes): Mix 1 part lime putty, 3 parts sharp sand.
• For cement mortar (modern homes): Mix 1 part cement, 1 part lime, 6 parts sand.
• Aim for a consistency like peanut butter—sticky but spreadable.

5. Fill the Joints

• Load mortar onto a hawk board.
• Use a pointing trowel to press mortar into vertical joints first, then horizontal ones.
• Pack tightly to avoid air pockets.

6. Shape the Joints

• Let mortar set for 20–30 minutes (it should feel firm but imprint slightly when pressed).
• Use a jointing tool to smooth and compact the mortar. Popular finishes:
  • Weather-struck: Sloped inward to shed water.
  • Concave: Rounded with a special tool.
  • Flush: Smooth and even with the bricks.

7. Clean Up

• Brush off excess mortar with a soft brush.
• For stubborn stains, use a damp cloth or diluted muriatic acid (1:10 ratio with water).

Choosing the Right Mortar

• Lime mortar: Breathable and flexible—perfect for historic homes. Avoid cement here—it traps moisture and damages old bricks!
• Cement mortar: Strong and durable for modern builds. Use Type N or O for repointing.
• Color match: Add pigments to blend with existing mortar.

Cost Breakdown

• DIY: £50–£100 for materials (covers 10m²).
• Professional: £20–£50 per m² (includes labour and scaffolding).

Post-Repointing Care

• Curing: Keep mortar damp for 3 days (spritz with water).
• Avoid pressure washing: Wait at least 4 weeks.

When to Call a Professional

• Large projects: Multi-story homes or chimneys require scaffolding.
• Structural issues: Bowing walls or deep cracks may need expert assessment.

Repointing brickwork isn’t just about looks—it’s about preserving your home’s strength and longevity. With the right tools, mortar, and patience, even a DIY novice can master this skill. Ready to tackle your walls? Grab that trowel and breathe new life into your brickwork!

Need help? Contact MidRender for professional repointing services across the UK.

FAQs