Brickwork and repointing in London
New walls, matched repairs to existing elevations, and repointing in the right mortar for the age of the building.
Brickwork
Brickwork is the first thing people see.
On a London street, new brickwork that does not match the old stands out for decades. Getting it right means the right brick, the right bond and the right mortar colour and joint, not just a level wall.
We build new walls and extensions, match repairs into existing elevations with reclaimed or matching bricks, and repoint in lime or cement mortar according to what the building was built with.
Brickwork we take on
Repointing
Raking out failed mortar and repointing whole elevations or patches, with the joint profile matched to the original.
Brick matching and repairs
Replacing spalled and damaged bricks, and blending new work into old with reclaimed or matched bricks.
Garden and boundary walls
New front and rear walls, piers and copings, on proper foundations.
Brick cleaning
Removing paint, soot and staining to bring tired brickwork back before repointing.
The process
How a brickwork job runs.
Visit and written quote
We look at the wall, check what mortar and brick it was built with, and send an itemised written estimate.
Samples and matching
For visible work we source matching bricks and agree the mortar colour and joint with you before starting.
The work
Old mortar is raked out to a proper depth, or new work is built up course by course, and protected from frost and rain while it cures.
Clean down and handover
The brick faces are cleaned, the site is cleared, and we go over the finished work with you.
Common questions
Brickwork & repointing: what people ask us.
How do I know if my house needs repointing?
Look for mortar that is crumbling, recessed well behind the face of the brick, or missing in places. Damp patches inside on an outside wall can be a sign too. Sound mortar should not scrape out easily with a key.
Should my house be repointed in lime or cement?
Most London houses built before about 1920 have solid walls laid in lime mortar, and they should be repointed in lime. Hard cement mortar traps moisture in the wall and makes the faces of soft old bricks break away. Modern cavity-wall houses are pointed in cement mortar.
Can you match new brickwork to my existing house?
Yes. We source reclaimed or new bricks that match the size, colour and texture, and build in the same bond with a matching mortar. On older London houses that often means reclaimed yellow stock bricks.
Do I need planning permission for a garden wall?
Not usually, as long as the wall is no higher than 1 metre next to a road or pavement, or 2 metres elsewhere. Taller walls, and walls around listed buildings, need permission.
Other services
What else we do.
Planning this kind of work?
Tell us about the job and we'll come out, measure up and send a free written quote, with no obligation.