Our main speciality
Brick Repointing for Sydney Homes
Repointing restores the mortar joints of an existing brick home. It is the work we do most, and the work most homeowners contact us about.
What brick repointing is
Repointing is the removal of deteriorated mortar from the joints between bricks and the replacement of that mortar with a new, suitable mix. The bricks themselves stay where they are. It is the joints that are renewed, which is why repointing is often a practical alternative to rebuilding a wall.
Common signs it is needed
- —Cracks running through the mortar joints
- —Mortar that has fallen out, leaving gaps
- —Mortar that crumbles or turns powdery when rubbed
- —Joints weathered back well behind the brick face
- —Damp or water marks on walls with worn joints
- —Brickwork that looks tired while the bricks remain sound
Why deteriorated mortar should be addressed
Mortar is the sacrificial part of a brick wall. It is intended to weather before the bricks do. When joints wear back, the wall becomes less resistant to water and weather and the brick edges become more exposed. Attending to worn mortar while the bricks are still in good condition often allows the existing brickwork to be kept rather than rebuilt.
How the work is carried out
Removing the old mortar
Deteriorated mortar is cut and raked out of the joint to a suitable depth using hand or power tools, chosen to suit the brick and the joint. The aim is to remove weak material without chipping the brick edges. The joints are then cleaned out ready for the new mortar.
Selecting the replacement mortar
The new mortar is selected to suit the existing brickwork and the exposure of the wall. Older Sydney homes were often built with softer lime-based mortars, and a hard modern mix is not always the right choice for them.
Mortar finish and colour matching
The joint profile is matched to the existing work — flush, raked, ironed or weathered — and the colour is matched as closely as practical. Existing mortar has weathered over decades, so a close match is the realistic goal.
Repointing older Sydney homes
Older homes need a careful approach: gentler mortar removal, attention to the original joint style and respect for the character of the brickwork. This is a large part of the work we do.
Chimneys, arches and exposed walls
Chimneys, parapets, window arches and weather-facing walls take the most exposure and are often the first areas to need repointing. These areas are repointed with the same matching approach.
Repointing after age, weather or water exposure
Where mortar has broken down through age, driving rain or long-term moisture, the affected joints are raked out and repointed, and any related brick damage is discussed before the work begins.
Before, During and After
Real supplied project photographs showing worn joints, work in progress and completed brickwork.
Existing deteriorated mortar before repair.
Repointing and brick repairs in progress.
Completed brickwork following repair.
Repointing Questions
+How do you remove the old mortar?
Deteriorated mortar is cut and raked out of the joint to a suitable depth, using hand tools or power tools depending on the brick, the joint and the condition of the wall. The aim is to remove the weak material without damaging the brick edges.
+How is the replacement mortar chosen?
The replacement mortar is selected to suit the existing brickwork and the exposure of the wall. On older homes a softer mortar is often more appropriate than a hard modern mix.
+Can the joint finish be matched?
Yes. The joint profile — flush, raked, ironed or weathered — is matched to the existing work, and the colour is matched as closely as practical.
+Do you repoint chimneys and arches?
Yes. Chimneys, window arches, parapets and other exposed areas are commonly the first parts of a home to need repointing.
+How long will it take?
It depends on wall area, access and the condition of the mortar. We give a timeframe after inspecting the brickwork.