Brick Repair Services Company: Commercial Repointing London

Mortar is the weak point of any brick wall, and it is meant to be. It is softer than the bricks around it. It takes the stress of movement and weather so the bricks do not have to. But this also means mortar wears out first. When it does, water gets in and damage spreads.

Rope access lets us repair this damage quickly and safely. Our technicians abseil to the exact area that needs work. There is no scaffold to build, so work can start sooner. You save on access costs, and people living or working in the building face minimal disruption.

For high walls, chimneys and parapets, this is often the most practical way to reach the brickwork.

Why Mortar Joints Fail

Mortar breaks down for several reasons. In London, the most common ones are:

1. Weather – rain, wind and frost slowly wash out and crack the joints.
2. Freeze-thaw – water in the joint freezes, expands and pushes the mortar out.
3. Building movement – small shifts in the structure open up cracks along the joints.
4. Wrong past repairs – hard cement mortar used on old, soft brick can trap water and damage the brick edges.
5. Age – even good mortar has a working life. Many London buildings are now over 100 years old.

When joints become deep, loose or hollow, it is time to repoint. Leaving it too long can lead to damp inside, loose bricks and higher repair bills later.

Our Repointing Process, Step by Step

Good repointing takes care and patience. Our team follows a clear process on every job:

1. Survey: we check the wall, find the damaged areas and note the brick type and joint style.
2. Mortar matching: we choose a mortar that suits your brick. Older buildings usually need lime mortar. Modern buildings may need a cement-based mix.
3. Raking out: we remove the old mortar to the right depth, without chipping the brick edges.
4. Cleaning the joint: we brush and dampen the joint so the new mortar bonds well.
5. Filling: we pack new mortar into the joint in layers, not all at once.
6. Finishing: we shape the joint to match the original style, such as flush, weathered or bucket-handle.
7. Curing: we protect fresh mortar from fast drying, rain and frost while it sets.

Each step matters. A neat finish is important, but a well-packed, well-cured joint is what keeps water out for years.