Your Questions

This is a area for you to post your questions on pointing / repointing or brickwork repair to Mick the co owner of Abberley and Delaney.

Your questions will be answered within 24 hours and your email address will only be used to send you Mick's reply.

See below for the previous questions asked.

What would it cost to repoint chimney? (Ian)
This is a case where size matters. It will depend on the height and width of the chimney and if there is a need to replace or repair brickwork. I would suggest you send me a picture of the chimney to surreypointers@tiscali.co.ukfor a quote.

How can you tell if you require repointing?
Some of the obvious signs will include the deterioration of the brick work including flaking or cracking mortar joints, lose bricks or stones, damp walls or damaged plaster work. If you can pick out the hard surface layer or scrap the mortar out with a key then it is likely you require repointing.

Should I normally match the existing motar?
It is always recommended that you match the motar when ever possible. The only exception to this rule is when an unexceptable repointing job has taken place. Old pointing is often best observed in sheltered areas, such as under eaves, and should be matched in terms of material and finish.

Where it is necessary to design a new mortar mix instead, this must be weaker than the bricks or blocks and take into account site exposure. If in doubt about the joint profile, a flush or nearly flush finish is frequently appropriate.

The production of mortar samples and trial panels is strongly encouraged.