Why repointing matters
Mortar is designed to be the sacrificial part of a wall. Over time rain and frost wear it away, and once the joints are open water gets into the brickwork. That leads to damp patches inside, frost damage to the face of the bricks, and in the worst cases loose brickwork that needs rebuilding. Repointing at the right time is far cheaper than repairing the damage later.
At RS Kayley Ltd we repoint houses, chimneys and garden walls across Bexleyheath and the surrounding areas. We have over 18 years of experience and we take the time to do it properly: raking out to the right depth, using the right mortar, and finishing the joints neatly.
Signs your brickwork needs attention
- Mortar that crumbles when you scrape it with a key
- Joints that are recessed deeper than the face of the bricks
- Damp patches on inside walls after heavy rain
- Bricks with flaking or crumbling faces
- Plants or moss growing out of the joints
- Loose bricks or copings on garden walls and chimneys
The right mortar for your home
Many homes in Bexley, Welling and Sidcup were built before modern cement became standard and are laid in soft brick with a lime based mortar. Repointing these in hard cement traps moisture and can make the bricks crumble. We match the mortar to the brick and the age of the house, and match the colour and pointing style so the finished wall looks consistent.
Keeping on top of it
A quick check of your chimney, garden walls and the exposed sides of the house every few years catches small problems early. If you are not sure whether your brickwork needs repointing, send us a few photos and we will give you an honest opinion. If you already have damage, see our brickwork repairs page.
