When the mortar has deteriorated from around the bricks or has started to recess.
In general when dealing with period properties they are built from sand and lime that deal with the transition of water quite well. The pointing should only be carried out in the same material and pointing style as original. Failure to do so and the use of inappropriate sand and cement based mortars should be avoided at all costs, this will only add to the problems of water ingress by trapping moisture in the bricks due to its high strength and characteristics as a modern day building material. If your builder has good knowledge working with limes, application and the correct pointing style can be achieved then yes, otherwise it should be left to a pointing specialist that specialises in lime pointing.
As mentioned previously period properties should always be repointed with like for like materials as it was originally intended and the used of modern cement based materials should be avoided at all costs. Tuck Pointing a brief history.
Every property has its own unique pointing style this can range from tuck pointing, penny role, flush and weather struck. The original style of pointing to that particular property should be used and if possible colour matching the mortars. This ensures that any future repairs are carried out sympathetically preserving our heritage.
Yes we do, we are able to offer a complete package tailored to suit any budget but in general your property will benefit from having timber windows and stonework painted after a repoint utilising the scaffold and making the project more cost effective.
Pointing was always intended as a sacrificial coating preserving the bricks. On traditional buildings the importance of using sand and lime mortar can not be stressed enough. The use of lime ensures that any future restoration works can be carried whist preserving the brick allowing the building to breath and function properly. A typical property would need repointing every 50 years but most pointing exceeds this by double.
Because every property is different, the scope of work required also differs depending on size and the level of restoration needed. There are so many factors that are taken into consideration such as pointing styles, brick repairs, scaffold hire and remedial works, that a typical cost would be unfair to state as every package is tailored to suit. All our quotes are detailed to the clients specifications and requirements.
Before work commences all windows and doors are protected throughout the project. Typically a repoint on a traditional victorian façade would take between 2-3 weeks and around 3-5 weeks for additional remedial works.
Having your home repointed and maintained as original using traditional materials and craftsmanship will only add value, preserving the very fabric that holds your building together.