The Benefits of Brick Repointing for Your Dublin Property

By PMACPublished On: May 9th, 2023

PMAC operative working repointing house with new mortar

Brick repointing your Dublin property

If you own a property in Dublin, you know how important it is to maintain its value and appearance. One common issue that can arise with brick buildings is deteriorating mortar, which can lead to structural damage and decreased aesthetics. Brick repointing your Dublin property is a solution that can help restore and protect your home / business, and keep it looking its best for years to come.

What is brick repointing?

Brick repointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the joints between bricks and replacing it with new mortar. This helps to restore the structural integrity of the building and prevent further damage. It also improves the appearance of the building by giving it a fresh, clean look. Brick repointing is a skilled job that should only be carried out by a professional with experience in this area.

Over time, the mortar between bricks can become damaged due to weathering, age, or other factors such as repointing with regular cement which although a cheap material has a negative impact on the brickwork and can lead to cracking / flaking which is called spalling. Instead of cement we only use lime based mortars which is a more breathable material and how the majoirty of Dublin buildings were originally built with.

Brick repointing involves carefully removing the damaged mortar using specialized tools, and then replacing it with new mortar that matches the original color and texture. This process requires skill and precision, as the new mortar must be applied evenly and at the correct depth to ensure a strong bond with the bricks. If you are in need of brick repointing in Dublin, it is important to choose a reputable and experienced professional to ensure the job is done correctly and to a high standard.

Signs that your brickwork needs repointing.

There are several signs that your brickwork may need repointing. These include cracks in the mortar, crumbling or missing mortar, water damage, and loose or missing bricks. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to have your brickwork inspected by a professional.

Side view of brickwork that is showing signs of damage

chimney damaged with brick spalling and growth

The benefits of repointing for your property.

Repointing your brickwork can provide numerous benefits for your Dublin property. Not only does it restore the appearance of your building, but it also helps to protect it from further damage. By replacing damaged or deteriorating mortar, repointing can prevent water from seeping into your walls and causing structural damage. Additionally, repointing can increase the value of your property and improve its overall curb appeal.

The process of repointing and what to expect.

Repointing involves removing the old, damaged mortar from between the bricks and replacing it with a new lime mortar. The process typically begins with a thorough cleaning of the brickwork to remove any dirt, debris, or loose mortar. Then, a skilled mason will carefully remove the old mortar using specialized tools and techniques. Once the old mortar has been removed, the new mortar is applied to the joints between the bricks using a trowel. The new mortar is then tooled to match the existing mortar and create a seamless finish.

When repointing brickwork, it’s important to hire a skilled and experienced mason who understands the intricacies of the process. The mason will carefully match the new mortar to the existing mortar in terms of color, texture, and composition and pointing style. This ensures that the repointed brickwork looks seamless and blends in with the surrounding brickwork. During the process, it’s common to see some dust and debris, but a good mason will take steps to minimize the mess and clean up thoroughly once the job is complete.

PMAC operatives working on side elevations of building

Dublin House restored by PMAC with traditional black mortar

Choosing the right professional for the job.

When it comes to brick repointing, it’s important to choose the right professional for the job. Look for a masonry contractor with experience in repointing and a portfolio of successful projects. Ask for references and check online reviews to ensure they have a good reputation. Additionally, make sure they use high-quality materials, insurances and offer a warranty on their work. A skilled and experienced professional can help ensure that your brickwork is restored and protected for years to come.

⇓ Click on the links below to know more about some restoration projects we were proud to be part of ⇓

PMAC restores the iconic Bewleys Cafe on Grafton St – https://pmac.ie/p-mac-restores-a-piece-of-dublin-history-with-bewleys-cafe/

PMAC partnered with DCC to restore Leeson St kiosk – https://pmac.ie/p-mac-restores-leeson-street-kiosk-in-partnership-with-dublin-city-council/

Master Brickmason, Educator and Historic Brick work Consultant, Dr. Gerard Lynch.

At PMAC we are passionate about honing our craft and ensuring Historic building skills are preserved and passed on. We believe we are no less able today than historic craftsmen of producing the masterpieces we marvel at today. This is why we sent our team to the absolute Master of this industry to ensure best practice, experience and knowledge is passed on.

Get a quote from a professional contractor.

We can assess the condition of your building, discuss any repointing services or treatments that may be needed, and provide an accurate quotation based on your specific project needs. Please send in details / photos of your building to us through our websites contact page ⇒ https://pmac.ie/contact-pmac/ and someone from our Restoration team will be in touch.

Heritage Contractors

PMAC is a registered Heritage Contractor and a link to the site can be found below.

https://heritageregistration.ie/heritage-contractors-listing/

Majority of Pmac projects are based in Dublin but we also work all over Ireland. Our wide range of services are available to both residential and commercial clients.