The mortar joints between your bricks do far more than fill the gaps. They provide structural integrity, weather resistance and thermal insulation. When mortar deteriorates — as it inevitably does over time — your walls become vulnerable to damp, frost damage and even structural movement. Repointing is the process of removing damaged mortar and replacing it with fresh material, and it's one of the most important maintenance tasks for any brick-built property.
When Does a Property Need Repointing?
Not every crack or discoloured joint needs immediate attention. However, there are clear signs that repointing should be on your priority list:
- Mortar crumbling or falling out — If you can scrape mortar away with your finger, it's deteriorated beyond the point of protection
- Gaps between bricks — Missing mortar allows water to penetrate the wall
- Damp patches on internal walls — Water entering through failed joints causes interior dampness
- Frost damage — Water trapped in porous mortar freezes and expands, accelerating deterioration
- Moss or plant growth in joints — Roots push mortar apart and hold moisture against the brickwork
- Previous poor-quality repointing — Cement-heavy repairs on older properties can cause more damage than the original problem
Most brick properties built before the 1930s use lime mortar, which is softer and more breathable than modern cement. Using the wrong mortar type when repointing can trap moisture inside the wall and cause spalling — where the face of the brick flakes away.
How Much Does Repointing Cost?
Repointing is priced by the square metre, with costs varying depending on access, mortar type and the condition of the existing joints:
| Work Type | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Standard repointing (cement mortar) | £30 – £50 per sqm |
| Lime mortar repointing | £50 – £80 per sqm |
| Heritage / listed building repointing | £70 – £120 per sqm |
| Full house repointing (semi-detached) | £3,000 – £6,000 |
| Chimney repointing | £300 – £800 |
| Scaffolding (if required) | £500 – £1,500 |
These prices are typical for the Staffordshire and Cheshire area. Properties with difficult access, decorative brickwork or special heritage requirements will be at the higher end.
Lime Mortar vs Cement Mortar
This is one of the most important decisions in any repointing project, and getting it wrong can cause serious damage.
Lime mortar is softer and more flexible than cement. It allows moisture to pass through the joint and evaporate — which is how older buildings were designed to manage dampness. Lime mortar also moves slightly with the building, reducing the risk of cracking.
Cement mortar is harder and less permeable. It's appropriate for modern buildings (post-1930s) where the wall construction is designed to work with rigid mortar. However, applying cement mortar to a building designed for lime can trap moisture inside the bricks, leading to spalling, salt damage and internal dampness.
At ArcLine Group, we always assess the existing mortar and wall construction before recommending a mortar type. For older properties in Staffordshire and Cheshire, we frequently use hydraulic lime mortars that provide durability while maintaining breathability.
Common Brickwork Repairs
Repointing is often carried out alongside other brickwork repairs:
- Brick replacement — Individual damaged or spalled bricks can be cut out and replaced with matching reclaimed bricks
- Crack stitching — Structural cracks in brickwork can be repaired by inserting stainless steel helical bars into the mortar joints
- Lintel replacement — Failed lintels above windows and doors cause characteristic stepped cracking and need replacing
- Damp-proof course renewal — Where rising damp is present, a new chemical DPC can be injected at the same time as repointing
- Wall tie replacement — Corroded wall ties cause horizontal cracking at regular intervals and need mechanical replacement
Why Choose ArcLine Group?
Brickwork and repointing require patience, skill and an understanding of building materials. There are no shortcuts — rushed work or incorrect mortar selection will cause problems that cost far more to fix than the original repair.
Our team has extensive experience with all types of brickwork across Staffordshire and Cheshire — from Victorian terraces in Stoke-on-Trent to stone-built cottages in rural Cheshire. We take time to match mortar colours, use appropriate materials and leave a finish that blends seamlessly with the existing work.
For a free assessment of your brickwork or repointing needs, call 01785 305 042 (Staffordshire) or 01260 603 458 (Cheshire). We'll inspect the property, explain what's needed, and provide a clear fixed-price quotation.
