Repointing Kempston Bedfordshire (MK42): All homes and business premises in Kempston require a bit of repair and maintenance every so often. If you've noticed the mortar or cement between the brickwork on your Kempston home is cracking or crumbling, you will need professional assistance to prevent the issue from deteriorating further. A reliable brick repointing company in Kempston will offer a cost effective solution to repair your brickwork and make sure that it remains watertight.
It has often been said that a house is only as sound as its bricks and mortar, and that is most definitely the case. To keep a home warm and dry the mortar has to be in good enough condition to stop any water or draughts from forcing their way in through gaps or holes. But how can you tell exactly when you need to repoint your home in Kempston?
It is merely a case of checking your brickwork visually. If you discover damage or areas that look a bit different to the rest of the property, you might want to speak to a professional repointing company for a more thorough investigation. In most situations you will be able to see any physical signs of damage, but in areas which are out of reach, such as chimney stacks or under eaves; you may need the services of a professional to assist you.
When your home in Kempston needs repointing, it is not simply the aesthetics that are of concern, there are also safety issues that need to be looked at. The structural strength of your Kempston home depends on the condition of the mortar, and badly crumbling areas can adversely affect this. In relation to property damage and the potential risk of injury, any weeknesses in the structure of the building can have severe implications, and this is especially so when it comes to buildings with chimneys or higher buildings.
If brickwork has been weakened or damaged over time and is found to be the reason for the problems with your mortar it might need to be replaced. In order to refurbish the brickwork at the same time as repointing, a professional brick repointing service in Kempston will swiftly determine any sections that require replacement.
In dwellings where the external walls were plasterered over or painted in past days, you might notice sections that are discoloured or prone to damp, which might be an indication of problems. Any discolouration, bubbling or flaking of paint or plaster could signify a deterioration of either bricks or mortar beneath the surface. The only practical way to make sure that the damage does not spread further and cause structural issues as time goes on, is to get a skilled contractor to carry out a survey. Any respected repointing business in Kempston will be capable of performing a service like this and make certain that your home is safe, sturdy and looking great.
WHAT ARE THE STEPS IN REPOINTING BRICKWORK IN KEMPSTON?
It can take quite a while to repoint a building and, depending on the layout of your home, can also entail working at considerable height. The first step for a repointing firm will be to carry out an eyes-on survey of the structure and the magnitude of the work that's required. Once they've considered all these details, they'll be in a position to offer you a detailed estimate for the complete project. You should not automatically assume that the cheapest estimate is the best option, and remember to get no less than three quotations before you decide.
It might be that in the original on-site survey there were some sections of your property that were inaccessible or out-of-reach and in this instance a second, more in depth survey may be necessary. If this second more detailed survey uncovers further, more serious issues, the original estimate might have to be be adjusted. The older your building is, the more likely it is to need repointing, and this is particularly true for those homes in Kempston that are more than 60 years old.
As soon as the problems have been identified then repointing work can start. Most buildings will need a scaffold to establish a stable working platform from which to do the repointing. An arrangement of protective shielding or sheeting will then be secured to the outside of the scaffolding. This is to prevent any property damage and reduce any injury risk to anyone in the vicinity of the work.
Cables and pipes might need to be removed or adjusted to permit easier access to the brickwork behind them. After the pointing work has been finished these pipes and cables can all be fixed back into their original positions.
Any paint, rendering, pebble-dash or other coverings will now need to be safely removed to enable the repointers to access the brickwork and begin their repair work. After removal of these coverings all of the brickwork is cleaned and sanded, this gives the repointers a uniform surface to work with.
A reliable Kempston repointing company will be able to prepare a test panel on your property to allow you to choose the different mortar styles that are available, (Tuck, Weather Struck, Flush or Recessed pointing). This test panel will enable you to visualise how each method compares to each other and also which one suits your style of house best.
Now the messy work begins as the old, damaged mortar is taken out by raking and scraping out the brick joints. This is an incredibly time consuming stage and involves the chipping or grinding away of old mortar and brushing away any loose debris and dust to provide a clean surface for the application of new mortar. The repointers will be especially careful around windows, doors and other openings where movement in the brickwork or an over application of mortar can cause difficulties in closing and opening them.
Once the joints have been cleaned, the brickwork should be dampened to help stop the fresh mortar from drying out too quickly and subsequently cracking. The slower drying time stops the mortar from becoming inflexible and cracking, which creates a weaker joint. During the mortar application there'll be smears and some excess mortar on the brickwork that looks untidy, but this will be removed once it's dried out. The walls will be divided into areas, and each will be repointed, left to dry, and then cleaned off before the team move on to the next section of wall.
It's quite possible that as the repointing team are doing their work they could find cracked brickwork that needs replacing, or maybe problems with a chimney stack or faulty lead flashing, and an experienced repointer will be able to complete these repair work as they progress.
Any paint, render or other wall covering that you need will be re-applied once all repointing work has been completed. The final stage of the project will see all cables, pipes and other fittings mounted back into their rightful positions, scaffolding and work platforms disassembled and all building waste removed and disposed of.
A competent Kempston repointing and bricklaying company will provide a solution that will last up to sixty years. Warranties that are offered for the repointing should have an affiliation with manufacturers and providers from the construction industry giving cover for substandard materials.
Such accreditation could include: the National Federation of Building Contractors (NFBC), the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) and the National House Building Council (NHBC), while qualifications could range from NVQ's, Diplomas and City & Guilds from building industry specialists such as the CIOB (Chartered Institute of Building). Each person who carries out work on repointing your home should additionally be a member of the Construction Skills Certification Scheme and be willing to demonstrate their ability and skills by producing their CSCS card.
Repointing companies can be located in the Kempston area, and in: Wilstead, Kempston Hardwick, Stevington, Elstow, Cardington, Shortstown, Cotton End, Bronham, Wootton, Wood End, Biddenham, Houghton Conquest, Slagsden, Haynes, in addition to these postcode areas: MK42 7LR, MK42 7ER, MK42 7FE, MK42 7HR, MK42 7HL, MK42 7AT, MK42 7JB, MK42 7FJ, MK42 7BA, MK42 7DX. If a repointing specialist has the dialling code 01234 and the postcode MK42, you can safely assume that they hail from somewhere in Kempston area. This could be something to check if you wish to guarantee that you hire local repointing. Kempston householders have the use of these and other comparable services at any time the need arises.
Ridge Tile Repointing Kempston
Ridge tiles and mortar joints should be inspected every other year at least. Repointing simple mortar cracks can prevent leaking roofs and expensive re-roofing jobs in Kempston. Pay extra attention to ridge tiles since they are exposed to weathering from all sides and may exhibit cracks in the mortar joints before other tiles on the roof. If you discover cracks in the mortar between ridge tiles, the options are rebed the ridge tile or repoint the joints.
If the cracks are minor and the tile appears to be firmly bedded, repointing the mortar is an acceptable option. If the cracks in the mortar are as wide as the mortar joint itself and there seems to be some movement in the ridge tile, it would be better to rebed the whole tile rather than repointing. If you repoint a tile that is no longer snugly bedded, the repair isn't going to last very long and the reappearance of the crack is inevitable.
Of course, from time to time a ridge tile has to be rebedded instead of repointed which requires a bit more work. Again, be sure to follow all safety precautions while working on the roof. Use a chisel and hammer to remove the mortar as well as the ridge tile. Use the chisel and hammer to remove the mortar from the bed on the roof, and mortar from the bottom of the ridge tile. Once the ridge tile is off, replacing the ridge iron is sensible, especially if there's any sign of rust. Remove any organic matter such as moss and algae and use a fungicide to ensure the area is clean. Then soak the area in water whilst mixing mortar. Mix a stiff mortar in a ratio of 3:1 (sharp sand: cement). Dampen the tile and roof as you work. Put mortar on either side of the tile and use a trowel to lay a bed of mortar on the roof. Position on the mortar bed and firmly press down. Remove any mortar that squishes out between joints. Make sure the joint gaps are filled, and smooth joints with pointing trowel.
The integrity of the roof protects your biggest investment from damages resulting from weather in Kempston. Checking and repointing your roof before cracks enable water to penetrate into your house, are simple ways to save money.
Chimney Repointing Kempston
Chimneys are often overlooked in relation to property maintenance, yet a chimney that's falling into disrepair can be a costly hazard. During a preliminary inspection of your chimney in Kempston, an expert could recommend repointing or perhaps a rebuild of your chimney, dependant upon the size of the affected and damaged area. Chimney repointing by a specialist will restore the structural stability of your chimney by replacing the old, crumbling mortar with new material. This should prevent the requirement for a total chimney rebuild and give you many more years of peace of mind. Having your chimney in Kempston repointed also helps to prevent damage to the interior of your chimney stack, by stopping moisture from seeping through the cracks and holes in the mortar. Most recently constructed chimneys are steel lined and if moisture makes contact with this liner, it can significantly reduce its lifespan. Once the repointing work has been accomplished, an external sealant is used which is water repellent and allows the release of any internal moisture.
Brickwork Crack Stitching
Brickwork crack stitching is a procedure employed to repair cracks in brick structures. In order to reinforce the affected area's mortar bed and provide extra support to the brickwork structure, stainless steel rods are inserted and held in place with a specialized grout. The primary goal of this process is to strengthen the vulnerable brickwork, making certain that it is well-supported and protected from cracking in the future. The stainless steel rods utilised in this procedure are specifically designed to flex and twist, enabling them to adjust to the movement of the structure and absorb additional stress. The crack stitching procedure is adaptable to various brickwork structures, such as arches, bridges, chimneys and walls, and can be used to repair cracks and prevent further deterioration. Through the use of this technique, a common problem in brick-built structures can be effectively addressed, resulting in an extended life expectancy for the structure. It is essential to note that only a specialist with the requisite skills and experience should take on crack stitching to prevent additional damage to the structure.
Coming Next:
Spalling brickwork repairs - article 321.
Repointing Specialists Near Kempston
Also find: Bronham repointing, Cotton End repointing, Wilstead repointing, Houghton Conquest repointing, Kempston Hardwick repointing, Elstow repointing, Cardington repointing, Haynes repointing, Shortstown repointing, Biddenham repointing, Wootton repointing, Stevington repointing, Slagsden repointing, Wood End repointing services and more. The majority of these towns and villages are serviced by experts in repointing. Kempston householders can get repointing price quotes by going here.
Other Tradespeople in Kempston: Any time you are considering doing improvements to your property in Kempston, Bedfordshire, the chances are that you'll need various different tradespeople over the course of the project, and although you may be currently looking for a local Kempston repointing specialist, you could also be interested in the services of a tiler in Kempston, a roofer in Kempston, groundwork in Kempston, stone worktops in Kempston, SKIP HIRE in Kempston, waste removal in Kempston, a bricklayer in Kempston, a stonemason in Kempston, a loft conversion specialist in Kempston, a building contractor in Kempston, a carpenter in Kempston, a plasterer in Kempston, jet washing in Kempston, brickwork cleaning in Kempston, a handyman in Kempston, a scaffolder in Kempston, a screeder in Kempston, and more.
Kempston Repointing Tasks
Just Some of the Tasks That a Repointing Specialist Can Do
There is a wide range of work that can be undertaken by your local Kempston repointing specialist including bucket handle repointing, repointing services Kempston, bed joint reinforcement in Kempston, facade restoration in Kempston, stone strengthening Kempston, brickwork crack stitching, slab repointing Kempston, patio repointing Kempston, brick and masonry decorating Kempston, paint removal from brick, tile repointing Kempston, valley repointing Kempston, brick conservation, brick & mortar tinting, gable end repointing Kempston, mortar raking in Kempston, commercial repointing, lime mortar pointing, repointing work on mortar joints in Kempston, lintel replacement, crack injection, re-pointing paving Kempston, weather struck pointing and re-pointing, pointing and repointing crazy paving in Kempston, damaged brickwork replacement, brick repointing, strap pointing Kempston, brickwork pointing and repointing, rubble masonry in Kempston, repointing quotations, lead valleys repaired or renewed, brick joint raking and repointing in Kempston, pebble-dash removal Kempston, porch repointing Kempston, patch repointing Kempston, and repointing scaffolding. Listed are just a small portion of the activities that are handled by those specialising in repointing. Kempston specialists will tell you about their full range of services.
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