How much does repointing and bricklaying cost?

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Repointing is a process in which the mortar between bricks is replaced by the same or a slightly different type. The repointing is an effective way of repairing and renewing the brickwork, especially in older buildings where the mortar is no longer sound.

The process costs money but not as much as you might think. This article will help guide you on what it costs to repoint, how to do it and how long it will take.

Why repointing brickwork is important

Repointing can be done on brickwork that is well below the surface of the ground. The mortar between the bricks is worn away and flaking away, which causes structural weaknesses.

Repointing helps to secure the strength of the brickwork and to prevent the weakening of the walls and supporting pillars that are vital to the structure. How to repoint brickwork Repointing bricks or mortar can be a daunting task if you’ve never done it before, so be sure to seek expert advice.

Repointing bricks is quite a hands-on job and will require the use of a range of tools and measuring techniques. In many cases, the contractor will have to fill voids with metal mesh, to ensure that you’re protected.

The cost of repointing

Repointing costs money in the short term. Repointing will be much more expensive if you hire the work yourself or if you are DIY-ing the project.

Repointing with bricks alone can cost a few thousand pounds to do but some people may only need to do a small amount of repointing. Repointing with a mix of bricks, bricks with aggregate and brickless mortar can be a bit cheaper. While brickwork will need to be replaced with a thinner mix of bricks and aggregate, the cost of repointing can be significantly lower.

Repointing will only work if the mortar between bricks is sound. If there are cracks or big breaks in the mortar, you should not repoint the bricks.

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How to repoint brickwork

First off, you need to know where to repoint brickwork and how to identify the method that best suits your needs. This will be different for every bricklayer, but in general you should be able to work out whether you are repointing mortar, brick, or even stone.

Repointing needs to be done carefully. The bricks you are repointing need to be secured with mortar between each brick as part of a layer called the ‘prep course’. When the mortar has dried thoroughly, the bricks are lifted from the ground and placed in position over the top of the mortar layer. When this has happened you are ready to do the next stage.

How much time is needed to repoint brickwork?

Repointing involves re-staining the mortar between the bricks to make the structure stronger and more durable. It is not as easy as just repainting the walls so it needs to be a careful, well planned and well executed job.

Repointing should only be carried out by a qualified and authorised bricklayer. How much do repointing costs? Repointing does not always mean fixing the bricks.

Repointing is much more than simply “re-staining” the mortar. Repointing involves a series of small repairs, such as replacing the old brick with a new one or relining a damaged or missing section of brickwork. Repointing does not always mean fixing the bricks..

Conclusion

The cost of repointing is determined largely by a number of factors including the building’s construction materials, the quality of the bricks, their condition and whether there has been any recent maintenance to the mortar.

Whilst the repair can often take around three months, it is a major improvement to the buildings’ appearance and sound foundation.

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