Repointing & Brick Replacement

Professional Cottage Repointing & Brick Replacement — Hoveringham, Nottingham

Description

Repointing and brick replacement This repointing project on a cottage in Hoveringham, Nottinghamshire involved grinding out the old, deteriorated mortar and repointing throughout using a traditional lime mix. As part of the job, 15 individual bricks that had deteriorated beyond repair were carefully
cut out and replaced with matching brick, before the full repoint was carried out. The work was completed over 6 days.

As with many older cottages, getting the lime mix right was essential to match the age and character of the property while restoring its natural ability to breathe. Matching the replacement brickwork carefully ensured the repairs blended seamlessly with the existing stonework.

The finished cottage is now properly repaired and repointed to a high standard, in keeping with the character of the property.

If you have a period property in Hoveringham or the surrounding area that needs repointing, get in touch for a free no-obligation quote.

• Length of Job : 6 Days
• Location : Hoveringham, Nottinghamshire

Why Lime Mortar?

Lime mortar has been used on British buildings for centuries, and for good reason — it’s softer and more porous than modern cement, which means it allows moisture to pass through and evaporate rather than becoming trapped. This breathability protects the brick or stone itself from frost damage and long-term erosion, and it’s particularly important on older and period properties, which were often built using lime pointing originally. Repointing with cement instead of llime is one of the most common — and most damaging — mistakes made on period properties.

Our Process

Every repointing job follows the same careful process, regardless of size:

1. Rake out — the old, failing mortar is carefully removed to the correct depth without damaging the surrounding brick or stone.
2. Clean — joints are brushed out and cleaned to ensure a proper key for the new mortar.
3. Repoint — a lime mix matched to the property’s age and existing mortar is applied throughout, joint by joint.
4. Finish — joints are finished to match the original style and profile, and the area is left clean and tidy.

This methodical approach is what gives a lasting, breathable finish rather than a quick surface fix.

The Result

The finished property is now able to breathe properly again, helping to protect the building fabric for years to come. The repointed brickwork not only looks the part on a period property, but functions the way it was originally intended to — letting moisture escape rather than trapping it within the walls.

FAQ

How long does repointing take?
This depends on the size of the property and scope of the work — jobs typically range from a few days for a single wall or chimney stack, up to two or three weeks for a full property repoint.

Is lime mortar more expensive than cement?
Lime mortar can cost a little more upfront than cement, but on period properties it’s the right choice — it protects the brick or stone long-term and avoids the damp and erosion problems that cement pointing can cause over time.

Do I need to be home during the work?
Not necessarily, though it can help for access. We keep dust and
disruption to a minimum throughout and always leave the site clean
and tidy at the end of each day.