The mortar between your bricks plays an important role in protecting the structure of your property. Over time, however, exposure to rain, frost, wind and general weathering can cause mortar joints to deteriorate. When this happens, professional repointing can help restore the appearance of the brickwork while providing additional protection.

At Drew Sams Brickwork and Stonework Contractors, we provide professional pointing and repointing services for properties across Bishop Auckland, County Durham, Darlington and the wider North East.

What Is Repointing?

Repointing involves removing deteriorated mortar from the joints between bricks or stone and replacing it with fresh mortar.

It may sound like a relatively simple process, but the quality of the finished work can have a significant impact on both the appearance and performance of your brickwork. The existing mortar needs to be carefully removed without unnecessarily damaging the surrounding bricks, before the new joints are properly prepared and finished.

A professional approach can help ensure that the new pointing complements the existing brickwork and provides appropriate protection against the elements.

Signs Your Property May Need Repointing

Mortar does not usually fail overnight. There are often visible signs that can indicate your property needs attention.

Cracking or crumbling mortar is one of the most obvious warning signs. You may also notice sections where the mortar has become loose, started to fall away or appears significantly recessed compared with the surrounding brickwork.

Damp can also be an indication that your external brickwork requires attention. Damaged mortar joints can provide opportunities for water to penetrate areas that should remain protected.

If you are unsure about the condition of your brickwork, having it inspected by an experienced brickwork contractor can help determine whether repairs or full repointing are required.

Why Should You Deal With Damaged Mortar?

It can be tempting to leave minor deterioration alone, particularly when the problem is only affecting a small area of your property.

However, damaged pointing can become progressively worse. As mortar continues to deteriorate, moisture can penetrate further into the brickwork. During colder weather, water that enters small cracks and spaces can freeze and expand, potentially contributing to further deterioration.

Addressing damaged mortar at an earlier stage can therefore help prevent a relatively straightforward maintenance job from developing into a more extensive repair.

Repointing Can Improve the Appearance of Your Home

Pointing is not purely about protecting the structure of your property. It can also have a noticeable effect on its appearance.

Old, weathered or inconsistent mortar can make otherwise well-maintained brickwork look tired. Repointing can give the joints a much cleaner appearance and help bring the exterior of the property back to life.

This can be particularly beneficial for older homes where the brickwork remains in good condition but the mortar has deteriorated over the years.

At Drew Sams, we work with both brickwork and stonework, allowing us to approach each project according to the materials and requirements of the property.

Choosing the Right Approach

Not every property will require the same type of pointing. The condition of the existing mortar, the age of the building, the type of brick or stone and the overall construction can all influence the appropriate approach.

This is why it is important to have the work assessed rather than simply applying new mortar over damaged existing joints.

Our experienced team can assess the condition of the brickwork and discuss the most appropriate solution for the property. We work on individual homes as well as larger building projects throughout the North East.

Pointing as Part of Wider Building Work

Repointing is often carried out as an individual project, but it can also form part of wider building work.

For example, if you are planning a house extension, repairs to an existing wall may be required to ensure the new work blends appropriately with the original structure.

Likewise, our new build services involve constructing brick, block and stone properties with attention to the quality and finish of the masonry.

We also provide brick and stone wall construction, meaning we can help with both maintaining existing masonry and creating new structures.

Professional Pointing from Drew Sams

Good-quality pointing can make a significant difference to the condition and appearance of a property. Whether you have noticed cracked mortar, areas of missing pointing or general deterioration across your brickwork, arranging an assessment can help you understand what needs to be done.

Drew Sams Brickwork and Stonework Contractors are based in Bishop Auckland and cover County Durham, Darlington, North Yorkshire, Teesside, Tyneside and Wearside. We provide a wide range of building services alongside pointing and repointing, including new builds, extensions, barn conversions, walls, patios and driveways.

If you have noticed signs of deteriorating mortar or are considering repointing your property, contact the Drew Sams team to discuss your requirements.