Brick and Stone Repointing Information

Welcome to the Bingham Brick and Stone Repointing information hub. Here you’ll find practical, straightforward guides on brick and stone repointing, mortar types, common masonry problems and how to spot when your property needs attention.

Whether you’re a homeowner noticing cracks in your pointing, a landlord maintaining a rental property, or simply curious about how brick repointing works, these articles are written to give you honest, useful information without the jargon.

What is Brick Repointing?

Brick repointing is the process of removing old, damaged mortar from the joints between bricks and replacing it with fresh mortar. Over time, mortar deteriorates due to weather exposure, freeze-thaw cycles and general wear. When mortar fails, water gets in — and that’s when the real problems start. Damp walls, structural movement and damaged brickwork are all common consequences of leaving failing mortar unaddressed.

A professional repointing job restores the weatherproofing and structural integrity of the wall, prevents further deterioration and improves the overall appearance of the property. It’s one of the most cost-effective maintenance jobs a homeowner can undertake.

Why Mortar Mix Matters

One of the most common mistakes in brick repointing is using the wrong mortar mix. Modern cement mortars are harder than most traditional bricks — particularly in older properties built before the 1920s. When a hard cement mortar is used on a softer brick, the brick takes the stress instead of the mortar joint. Over time this causes the bricks themselves to crack and spall, which is far more expensive to repair than simply repointing.

Older properties generally require a lime-based mortar that flexes with the movement of the building and allows moisture to escape. Getting the mix right is one of the reasons it pays to use a specialist rather than a general builder.

Common Signs Your Pointing Needs Attention

Not sure if your brickwork needs repointing? Here are the most common signs to look out for. Crumbling or recessed mortar joints are the most obvious indicator — if you can push a key into the joint, it needs attention. Cracks appearing along mortar lines, damp patches on internal walls, white powdery deposits on the brick face (known as efflorescence) and loose or hollow-sounding bricks are all signs that water has been getting in.

Catching these problems early makes a significant difference to the cost of repair. A full repoint carried out before serious damage occurs is far cheaper than repointing plus brick replacement further down the line.

Brick Repointing Across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Lincolnshire

Paul Wood has been carrying out brick and stone repointing across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Lincolnshire for over 18 years. The articles in this information hub draw on that experience — practical knowledge from real jobs on real properties across the East Midlands.

From Victorian terraces in Nottingham to stone cottages in Derbyshire and modern brick properties in Lincolnshire, the principles of good repointing remain the same — right materials, right technique, attention to detail.

Browse the articles below for guidance on specific topics, or if you think your property needs attention, get in touch for a free no-obligation quote.