Repointing Ottery St Mary Devon (EX11): Every Ottery St Mary home will need a little repair and maintenance every now and then, irrespective of how old it actually is. Properties in Ottery St Mary are impacted by all sorts of pollution, weather and other damaging issues that may have an adverse effect on the condition of the mortar between the bricks, and should you discover evidence of this you will want to call on some expert help. It's imperative to keep the brickwork in excellent shape to keep your house watertight, and the most cost effective solution is to employ a brick repointing specialist in Ottery St Mary.
The mortar and bricks are what make a property strong enough to withstand the weather. To prevent any draughts and damp from forcing its way in through gaps or holes, and therefore keeping a house dry and warm, the mortar must be in tip top condition. But exactly how can can you be certain whether your home needs repointing or not?
Examine your external walls and try to spot any obvious damage that can easily be seen with the naked eye. If you find damage or areas that look distinctly different to the remainder of the building, you may need to speak to a professional repointing company for a more thorough analysis. In areas such as under eaves or on chimney stacks it might be necessary to use a professional to check, but you should be able to see for yourself in most cases the physical warning signs of deterioration.
When your house in Ottery St Mary needs repointing, it's not simply the appearance that is a concern, the safety risks need to be looked at too. The structural integrity of any Ottery St Mary house is only as effective as its bricks and mortar. With regards to property damage and the related risk of injury, any weakness in the integrity of the building can have alarming implications, and this is especially so in the case of buildings with chimneys or tall buildings.
It may be the case that damaged bricks are the primary reason for any missing or crumbling mortar that you find on your house. Any deteriorating brickwork discovered during the inspection by the repointing company will be replaced or repaired before any mortar repointing takes place.
In properties where the exterior walls have been plasterered over or painted in the past, you may notice sections that are prone to damp or are discoloured, which may be a sign of problems underneath. It could all point to more serious problems under the surface coating, if you discover flaking, bubbling or cracks of the paint or plaster. The only safe way to investigate a problem of this kind is by employing an experienced brickwork and repointing company who will find the main cause behind the damage. A competent repointing specialist in Ottery St Mary will easily achieve this and help keep your house in the best condition.
WHAT ARE THE STEPS IN REPOINTING BRICKWORK IN OTTERY ST MARY?
A fair amount of time may be required to repoint your home in Ottery St Mary, and working up high may also be involved. To evaluate the level of damage and the work that's required on your property, the first step for a repointing firm will be to conduct an eyes-on inspection of the brickwork. Once they've considered all of this information, they'll be able to provide you with a price quote for the whole project. You should not automatically assume that the best estimate is the cheapest estimate, and remember to get no less than three price quotes before make up your mind.
A further site survey could be needed when you accept a quotation and may include the use of extending ladders, or even a scaffold, to gain access to out-of-reach areas of your home. If this 2nd more meticulous survey reveals more serious issues, the first estimate may need to be revised. If your Ottery St Mary home has not been repointed previously and is over sixty years old, the chances are that it will need more remedial work than a more modern property would.
As soon as the issues have been confirmed then work can start. There's every chance that your repointing contractor will need a scaffold so as to have a stable platform while doing the work on your home. Some protective shielding can be fixed to the outside of the scaffold, after it has been put up. This is to stop any debris or mortar dust falling and damaging your property or that of your neighbours.
All external wires, such as TV or satellite cables, will be detached from the walls and any pipes will be adjusted or removed to allow access to the brickwork behind. These fixtures can all be put back into position on the completion of the project.
A lot of buildings in Ottery St Mary are either rendered, pebble-dashed or painted, and if this is the case with your dwelling, these cosmetic coverings must be removed so that the pointing specialists can get to the brickwork. To ensure a uniform finish for your outside walls, the brickwork behind these coverings will need to be thoroughly cleaned and sanded.
If you've not yet decided upon a a style of pointing (Weather Struck, Recessed, Tuck or Flush pointing), or you want to see how the various pointing options look on your house, a decent Ottery St Mary repointing specialist will be happy to mock up a test panel on your brickwork. This test panel will allow you to visualise how each design compares to each other and also which matches your style of property best.
The joints are now vigorously raked out to take away the old mortar and clean the gaps between the bricks. This can be quite a laborious procedure where the old mortar and any dust or loose debris must be carefully cleaned out to produce a satisfactory binding surface for the new mortar. The repointers will be especially cautious around doors, windows and other openings where movement in the brickwork or an over application of mortar can result in difficulty in opening and closing them.
So the new mortar does not dry out too rapidly, the walls will be dampened before the new pointing is started. This delayed drying time stops the mortar from becoming inflexible and cracking, which can lead to a compromised joint. Any smears and excess mortar that is left on the bricks can be cleaned off as soon as the mortar is properly dry. A wire brush can be used to clean the wall areas which have been finished before starting on the next section of the wall requiring work.
During this stage the need for any brick replacement, lead flashing replacement or chimney repairs will be undertaken by your contractor.
Any render, paint or other wall coverings that you require will be applied as soon as all repointing work has been finished. The final step of the project will entail all pipes, cables and other fixtures fixed back in their rightful locations, the scaffolding taken down and all waste removed and disposed of.
Your repointing and brick repair should last up to 50 to 60 years as long as it's accomplished by a skilled and professional repointing contractor in Ottery St Mary. Guarantees that are offered for the repointing should have an affiliation with providers and manufacturers from the construction industry covering substandard materials.
Accreditation can take many forms, however those that stand out in the repointing industry are: the National House Building Council (NHBC), the National Federation of Building Contractors (NFBC) and the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), with qualifications and certifications from construction industry forerunners such as the Chartered Institute of Building. Each individual who does work on your repointing project is also required to be part of the Construction Skills Certification Scheme and be able to confirm their skills and ability by producing an appropriate CSCS card.
Repointing companies can be obtained in Ottery St Mary itself, in the following postcodes: EX11 1HX, EX11 1AU, EX11 1TE, EX11 1AS, EX11 1DZ, EX11 1EQ, EX11 1AD, EX11 1FX, EX11 1EJ, and EX11 1DJ, and in adjacent places like Southbrook, West Hill, Gosford, Perkin's Village, Metcombe, East Hill, Aylesbeare, Clyst St Lawrence, Cobden, Fenny Bridges, Lancercombe, Fluxton, Aller Grove, Fairmile, Feniton, Wiggaton, Sidbury, Higher Metcombe, Rockbeare, Alfington, Whimple, Cadhay, Putts Corner, Taleford. It's most likely that any repointing specialists from the Ottery St Mary area will have the postcode EX11 and the telephone code 01404. This information is invaluable if you want to confirm that you're dealing with local repointing. Ottery St Mary homeowners are able to benefit from these and many other similar services. To acquire info on repointing in your area click the "QUOTE" banner or form.
Tuck Pointing Ottery St Mary
What is Tuck Pointing? A restoration procedure that can be used on old and weathered brickwork where the mortar joints are crumbling and unstable, tuckpointing (or tuck-pointing) can be very useful. It's a technique that's used to cosmetically augment the appearance of walls to give the illusion that they are in perfect condition.
A portion of the crumbling, old mortar is raked out and replaced with a new colour-matched mortar that's as close as possible to the colour of the stone or brick from which the wall is made. Then to give the impression that the joints are neat and tidy, where in fact the joints may be irregular in width, a narrow contrasting line of (usually lighter) mortar is "tucked" in.
The effect of tuckpointing can be quite striking, especially when viewed from afar, and can substantially improve the visual appearance of a wall without the requirement for disruptive refurbishments. (Tags: Tuckpointing Ottery St Mary, Tuck Pointing Mortar Ottery St Mary, Tuck Pointing Ottery St Mary).
Brick Cleaning Ottery St Mary
To make brick walls look clean and tidy, brick cleaning involves removing grime, dirt, and other stains from their surface. The bricks' appearance can be compromised over time due to the damaging effects of pollution and weather exposure. The process of brick cleaning can help to rejuvenate the appearance of the building by restoring the bricks to their former glory.
For brick cleaning, there are a number of different methods to choose from, including jet washing, chemical cleaning and sandblasting. The selection of the method used for brick cleaning depends on the stains that need to be removed and the condition of the bricks. For an effective and safe process, it's imperative to enlist the services of an experienced brick cleaning company that can ensure the preservation of the brickwork and the surrounding area.
The process of cleaning can prolong the life of the bricks and ultimately save you money on repairs. It's important to choose a brick cleaning service that takes environmental factors into consideration, such as the methods and products used during the process. On top of that, to avoid any surprises, it is important to choose a company that offers a detailed quotation and timeline for the project.
Chimney Repointing Ottery St Mary
Chimneys are often overlooked with regards to property maintenance, however a chimney which is falling into disrepair can be an expensive hazard. During a preliminary examination of your chimney in Ottery St Mary, a specialist company may recommend repointing or even a rebuild of your chimney, according to the size of the damaged and affected area. Specialist chimney repointing will re-establish the structural stability of your chimney by replacing the old, decaying mortar with fresh, new material. In many cases this should forestall the need for a complete chimney rebuild and give you peace of mind for years to come. Having your chimney in Ottery St Mary repointed also helps prevent damage to the inside of your chimney, by preventing moisture from seeping through the cracks and gaps in old mortar. Most modern chimneys are steel lined and if this liner comes into contact with moisture, reduce its lifespan. Once repointing work has been accomplished, an exterior sealant should be applied which repels water and allows the release of any internal moisture.
Brick Crack Stitching
Brickwork crack stitching is a process that is used to repair cracks in brickwork structures and buildings. It involves the insertion of stainless steel rods into the mortar bed of the affected area, which are then secured using a specialized grout. By providing extra support to the vulnerable brickwork, this technique aims to prevent further cracking and extend the structure's lifespan. The steel rods used in this technique are designed to flex, enabling them to react to the structure's natural movements and absorb any stress, thus preventing further damage to the weakened brickwork. The crack stitching process can be applied to numerous structures in Ottery St Mary, including walls, bridges, arches and chimneys, for the purpose of repairing cracks and increasing structural stability. This procedure is a cost-effective and practical solution to a prevalent problem in brickwork structures, providing long-term stability and durability. This technique is appropriate for use on modern and historic buildings alike and is typically considered a preferable alternative to rebuilding or repointing, because it is more economical and less disruptive. Crack stitching has become a preferred option among homeowners and contractors due to its dependability and practicality when it comes to restoring cracks in brickwork structures and buildings.
Mortar Colour Matching
The aesthetics and integrity of masonry structures, especially historical or older ones, are of paramount importance, and the details are essential to achieving them. Mortar colour matching is one detail that stands apart in its significance among others. Although it may seem like a minor aspect to the untrained eye, mortar colour matching is an important element of any brickwork restoration project to purists and professionals.
Mortar, in the context of masonry, acts as a binding agent for bricks, stones, or other masonry units. The building benefits both from its structural strength and its enhanced visual appeal. The choice of mortar is an important consideration when building a brick wall, as it can affect the overall look and feel of the wall. The overall appearance of a structure can be substantially affected by any difference in mortar colour.
When buildings in Ottery St Mary are refurbished or repaired, the new mortar must be seamlessly blended with the existing one. Here, the art and science of mortar colour matching come to the fore. Ensuring uniformity preserves the structure's original aesthetic appearance, creating the illusion that no work has been done at all - the ideal outcome in renovation projects.
The process of achieving an accurate colour match is often more complex than it seems at first. Key factors to consider are:
- Additives: In contemporary mortar mixtures, there may be several additives, including colour enhancers and durability-boosting chemicals, each of which can impact the mortar's ultimate colour.
- Binders: Binding agents, specifically cement and lime, have a significant influence on the mortar's colour. Subtle shade variations can be achieved by adjusting the proportions in which these materials are used.
- Sand: The granularity, colour and type of the sand used in a mortar mix are key determinants of its final colour. With different regions yielding sands of diverse colours, the significance of choosing the correct type of sand is heightened.
As time passes, environmental elements such as air pollution, temperature fluctuations and moisture can lead to a change in mortar colour. So, the task is about more than just replicating the original colour; it's about predicting how the new mortar will age relative to the existing one.
Colour matching of mortar has benefits that go far beyond the aesthetic realm. Differential settling or thermal movement can arise if there is a mismatch in the mortar's composition and strength. This could lead to a weakening of the building's structural stability over time. (88253 - Mortar Colour Matching Ottery St Mary)
Ottery St Mary Repointing Tasks
Just Some of the Work That a Repointing Specialist Can Do
There is a variety of work that can be accomplished by your local Ottery St Mary repointing specialist including brick and masonry decorating, the repointing of chimneys Ottery St Mary, brickwork crack stitching, stone wall repointing, brickwork crack repairs, bucket handle pointing and re-pointing Ottery St Mary, ribbon re-pointing, ridges repointed or rebedded, valley repointing in Ottery St Mary, fireplace repointing Ottery St Mary, chimney repairs, brick paint removal, facade restoration in Ottery St Mary, roof verge repointing Ottery St Mary, repointing quotations, cheap repointing, brick step repointing in Ottery St Mary, brickwork staining, lintel replacement Ottery St Mary, pointing mortar joints Ottery St Mary, brickwork conservation, ridge tile repointing Ottery St Mary, damaged brickwork replacement, stone cleaning, brickwork joint raking, pointing and repointing paving, brick repointing Ottery St Mary, brick inspections, lime mortar pointing, stone pointing, the repointing of brick joints, crack injection, domestic repointing in Ottery St Mary, mortar joint re-pointing, strap pointing and re-pointing, and repointing scaffolding. Listed are just a few of the tasks that are conducted by those specialising in brick repointing. Ottery St Mary specialists will be happy to tell you about their full range of services.
Repointing Specialists Near Ottery St Mary
Also find: Fenny Bridges repointing, Putts Corner repointing, Rockbeare repointing, Cadhay repointing, Lancercombe repointing, Higher Metcombe repointing, East Hill repointing, Whimple repointing, Fairmile repointing, Wiggaton repointing, Gosford repointing, West Hill repointing, Perkin's Village repointing, Clyst St Lawrence repointing, Aller Grove repointing, Aylesbeare repointing, Southbrook repointing, Taleford repointing, Alfington repointing, Metcombe repointing, Feniton repointing, Fluxton repointing, Cobden repointing, Sidbury repointing and more. There are contractors who do repointing in the majority of these areas. To execute your repointing work to perfection, these talented professionals bring a wealth of know-how and expertise. Why not turn to professional help if your brickwork seems shabby and tired, to properly refurbish it? Repointing quotes are available to local homeowners by clicking here.
TOP - Brick Repointing Ottery St Mary
Repointing Estimates Ottery St Mary - Repointing Near Me - Repointing Chimneys Ottery St Mary - Brickwork Repointing Ottery St Mary - Repointing Ottery St Mary - Brick Repointing Ottery St Mary - Repointing Mortar Joints Ottery St Mary - Repointing Stone Walls Ottery St Mary - Patio Repointing Ottery St Mary
