Repointing is the process of taking out and replacing the mortar (pointing) from the face of a masonry joint. If this is done correctly it can prevent deterioration of the wall and prevent weather from causing walls to become damp. Unfortunately, repointing is commonly undertaken unnecessarily or unsatisfactory.

Unnecessary repointing, however carefully done risks damage to the edges of the bricks or stone and the loss of important clues to a building’s construction and history. Unsatisfactory repointing can not only be visually unpleasant to look at but also harmful to the actual masonry it is intended to protect.

Too many times we come across old buildings that have been repointed with cement pointing. Not only is it disfiguring but it leads to faster deterioration of both bricks and stones as they become the most permeable part of the wall and will suffer the greatest from frost and salt-action. Removal should only be attempted if it can be achieved without further damage.

Lime Mortar was developed by ancient Egyptians and used extensively in building the Roman Empire, here in the UK, it is a traditional building material that was used predominantly in all buildings built before 1920.

The importance of using lime mortar to restore and repair any building constructed from lime is essential and lime mortar is associated with building conservation where legislation stipulates the use of lime mortar for listed buildings and buildings in conservation areas

More Recently lime mortar is associated with the sustainable building (eco build, green buildings) and wherever you hear the term “lime mortar” the emphasis is on the traditional and environmentally friendly aspects of the material

After the 1920’s modern cement were more widely used. The use of these materials brought about the decline of lime mortars but modern cement have since been found to cause damage to historic buildings

So why use lime?

• Building Conservation
  The legislation stipulates the use of lime mortar for listed buildings and buildings in conservation areas.
• Old Property
  Many heritage homeowners choose to repair using original materials and preserve period details.
• Prevent Damp
  Lime mortar is breathable, it can prevent and alleviate dampness problems, particularly in old buildings with solid walls.
• Structural Movement
  Lime mortar is relatively flexible, accommodating a greater degree of movement.
• Environmental
  The carbon footprint of lime products is much lower than cement which is responsible for up to 10% of global CO² emissions.

  It is well-accepted that lime mortars are superior to modern cement mortars offering many significant advantages.

Natural lime was used traditionally as a binder in mortars, renders, and plasters up until the 19th century when Ordinary Portland Cement was introduced. Ironically, modern insight has revealed enormous benefits of natural lime over the modern cement that dominates the building industry today.

Breathable

It is breathable, absorbing and evaporating moisture from surrounding masonry. This helps to protect the masonry, there is less risk of salt and frost damage.

Flexible

It has a low modulus of elasticity. This means it is extremely flexible and allows for movement and thermal expansion.

Sympathetic

It is softer than modern cement, a softer mortar will not wear away the surrounding masonry over time. Bricks and stones are also reclaimed more easily if dismantled.

Environmental

It is more eco-friendly, and the lime manufacturing process produces less carbon dioxide than ordinary cement. Furthermore, it re-absorbs carbon dioxide thus lowering its carbon footprint even further.

Aesthetic

Attractive traditional appearance, pale in colour. Natural limes tend to reveal the colour and characteristics of the aggregate with which they’re mixed.

A high proportion of pointing failures is because adverse weather is ignored. Whatever the time of year, we ensure new work is adequately protected from frost, rapid drying(by wind and sun), and rain.

Oldbury’s are approved Thermatech operators, removing the need to use subcontractors for this stage of any project. 

Thermatech is a superheated water system, primarily used for the cleaning of masonry surfaces and general buildings within conservation and restoration work.

This includes the removal of previously applied surface coatings, organic matter, traffic film, graffiti, and environmental pollution residues.

The enterprising contractor might suggest applying a “protective” coating – this is something Oldbury’s does not recommend and nor do other masonry professionals. Any protective finish designed to change the way the surface absorbs moisture and dirt will also change the way it releases moisture. The effects can be complex but, for this reason alone, all coatings should be avoided.

Lintels are structural support elements designed to carry the load from above openings such as doors and windows. Depending on the age of the building lintels can be made of timber, bricks, steel, stone, and concrete with steel rods.

When lintels fail, they often cause vertical cracks to appear in the surrounding masonry. Vertical stepped cracks in the brickwork are therefore the clearest evidence that your lintel has failed.

Not all work requires scaffolding, if you have contacted us to advise or quote for some works, we always discuss the next steps. Oldbury’s can provide a full package and should scaffolding be needed, we will organise this and it will be part of the quote.

Oldbury’s is always keen to be the most competitive without compromising on quality and craftsmanship, therefore would like the opportunity to beat any like-for-like written quote.

Like many other companies, Oldbury’s is working towards becoming a paperless company in support of the environment. Therefore, we only send out hard copies of quotes if you do not have an email address.

Once you accept our quote, we ask that you either text or reply to our email with your acceptance. When we are a few weeks away from starting the work, we will be in contact. Should there be delays, due to weather, we will always communicate these to you and Oldbury’s never asks for a deposit upfront, as we work on trust with our customers.

Oldbury’s has been restoring masonry on properties for over 35 years working on the humble two up two down to prestigious properties. 

When asking customers why they trusted Oldbury’s to restore their properties we often hear it was because of Jon’s passion and knowledge and it is this passion, knowledge, and craftsmanship that is reflected in Oldbury’s, use of traditional techniques and skills. Oldbury’s specialises in the sympathetic restoration of brickwork & stone on all scales, in Exmouth, Exeter, Budleigh Salterton, Sidmouth, Honiton, and surrounding areas.