Repointing Tenterden

Repointing Tenterden Kent (TN30): At some point in time every building in Tenterden will need some maintenance and repair, whether it's a domestic house or a commercial premises. You're going to need expert help to prevent it from getting worse, if you've noticed that the mortar or cement on the brickwork of your Tenterden home is crumbling or cracking. A competent brick repointing company in Tenterden will offer an efficient solution to repair your brickwork and make sure that it remains watertight.

It has been said that a building is only as sound as its bricks and mortar, and that's most definitely the case. To stop any dampness or draughts from forcing their way in through gaps or holes, and therefore keeping your home dry and warm, the mortar must be in a sufficiently sound state. But how do you know when you need to repoint your property in Tenterden?

It really is just a case of checking your brickwork visually. If a quick inspection such as this reveals some obvious issues, then you certainly need to have it checked out properly. In most situations you will be able to see quite clearly any physical signs of damage, but in places that are out of reach, such as chimney stacks or under eaves; you may need to call on the services of a professional to assist you.

Not only do crumbling mortar joints look awful, there are safety concerns that come out of this as well. The structural strength of your Tenterden property depends on the condition of the mortar and bricks, and badly defective areas can negatively affect this. In higher structures and houses with chimneys, any weakness in the framework of the building can have profound consequences with regards to property damages and risk of harm.

There may be any number of reasons behind why your mortar is crumbling or missing, but damaged bricks could be one of the causes. Any defective brickwork found during the inspection by the repointing contractor will be replaced or repaired before any repointing takes place.

A lot of Tenterden properties in past times had their exterior brick walls rendered or painted to help shield the brickwork. It might suggest issues with the bricks or mortar allowing dampness to seep into the walls, if there are signs of flaking, peeling or other damage to brickwork that has been rendered or painted. The only safe way to make certain the damage doesn't spread further and cause structural challenges down the line, is to get a certified contractor to investigate. A decent repointing company in Tenterden will easily achieve this and help to keep your house in the best condition.

WHAT ARE THE STEPS IN REPOINTING BRICKWORK IN TENTERDEN?

A fair amount of time may be required to repoint your property in Tenterden, and working up high will frequently be necessary. The very first thing a repointing company will do is a visual survey to ascertain the severity of the damage to your home. This survey will enable them to give you an itemised quote for the the entire project. You should get 2 or 3 quotations and don't always assume the cheapest is the best option.

If the surveyor who carried out the first survey was unable to inspect some inaccessible parts of your house, a ladder or even a scaffold could be necessary to perform another more thorough examination. This second survey might reveal different problem areas that could raise the first quote. Extra pointing work is likely to be required if your property in Tenterden is more than 60 years old and has never undergone repointing.

Work can commence in earnest once all the issues have been identified. Most properties will need a scaffold to establish a secure platform for the bricklayer or repointing specialists. As soon as the scaffold is up a protective sheet will be attached on its outer side. This protective sheeting should prevent any debris or mortar dust from harming your property, or neighbours properties, and also gives a layer of safety to help prevent injuries to anybody that is passing by.

Any drainpipes may have to be removed or adjusted to permit access to the brickwork behind, as will all exterior wiring, for instance satellite or TV. These fixtures can all be put back into position at the end of the project.

Many buildings in Tenterden are either pebble-dashed, rendered or painted, and if this is the situation with your home, these ornamental coverings will need to be stripped off so that the repointing contractors can get to the brickwork. Once this has been removed the bricks can be thoroughly cleaned and sanded to establish an even surface for work to begin.

To help you choose the style of repointing finish to your walls, a reliable Tenterden repointing specialist will be glad to show the different pointing styles (Weather Struck, Flush, Tuck or Recessed), by the creation of a test panel on your wall. This will help you to get a good idea of the finished result and make certain you are satisfied with the finished product with regard to colour and style.

Now the messy work begins as the old, crumbling mortar is taken out by raking and cleaning out the brick joints. This is an extremely time consuming process and entails the grinding or chipping away of old mortar and brushing away all the dust and loose debris to provide a good platform onto which to apply the new mortar. Particular attention and care is taken around windows and doors since any movement in the brickwork can lead to issues with their opening and closing.

To avoid the fresh mortar drying out too fast, the brickwork will be dampened before any new pointing begins. This delayed drying time helps to stop the mortar from cracking and becoming inflexible, which creates a weaker joint. During the mortar application there will be excess mortar and smears on the surrounding brickwork which can look sloppy, but this can be removed once it's properly dried. A wire brush is used to clean the wall areas which have been completed before starting on the next section of the wall needing work.

During this stage the necessity for any lead flashing work, brick replacement or chimney repairs will be completed by the contractor.

Any render, paint or other wall coverings you require will be applied as soon as all the remedial work has been completed. After the pipes and TV and satellite cables are placed back into place the scaffolding will be removed and all waste and debris is taken away from the site.

An established Tenterden repointing and brick repair specialist will provide you with a restoration that should last at least 60 years. Warranties should be provided for the repointing work and they should have an affiliation with providers and manufacturers from the building industry giving cover for substandard materials.

Such accreditations may include the likes of: the National House Building Council, the National Federation of Building Contractors and the Federation of Master Builders, while qualifications could range between City & Guilds, Diplomas and NVQ's from construction industry specialists like the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). Every individual who works on repointing and repairing your house should additionally be signed up to the Construction Skills Certification Scheme and be able to prove their ability and skills by producing an appropriate CSCS card.

Repointing work can be undertaken in Tenterden and also nearby in: Shadoxhurst, Haigh Halden, Sissinghurst, Rolvenden, Parkgate, Woodchurch, Ashenden, Wittersham, Biddenden, Benenden, Rolvenden Layne, St MIchaels, and in these postcodes TN30 6QQ, TN30 6RX, TN30 6RZ, TN30 6AA, TN30 6AW, TN30 6LB, TN26 3JF, TN30 6FD, TN30 6HJ, and TN30 6SF. It's very likely that any repointing specialists from the Tenterden district is going to have the phone code 01580 and the postcode TN30. Confirming that this is the case will ensure that you're hiring a local expert in repointing. Tenterden residents have the use of these repointing services anytime necessary.

Brickwork Crack Stitching

When brick buildings and structures have significant cracks in them, a process called brick crack stitching can be used to repair them. It involves the insertion of stainless steel rods into the mortar bed of the affected brickwork, which are then secured using a special grout. By providing additional support to the affected brickwork, this approach aims to prevent further cracking and prolong the structure's lifespan. The stainless steel rods used in this process are specifically designed to flex and twist, enabling them to adjust to the movement of the brickwork and absorb additional stress. This procedure isn't limited to any specific structure and can be used for repairing cracks in a host of brickwork structures in Tenterden, such as walls, chimneys, bridges and arches. Through the use of this procedure, a common problem in brick structures can be effectively addressed, resulting in an extended lifespan for the structure.

Ridge Tile Repointing

Ridge tiles and mortar joints should be checked every other year at least. Repointing simple mortar cracks can prevent leaking roofs and expensive re-roofing work in Tenterden. Pay close attention to ridge tiles since they're exposed to the extremes of the weather from all sides and may exhibit cracks in the mortar joints before other tiles on the roof. If cracks are discovered in the mortar between ridge tiles, the options are repoint the joints or rebed the ridge tile.

If the cracks are small and the tile appears to be securely 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 is a better idea to rebed the complete tile instead of repointing. If you repoint a tile which is no longer tightly bedded, the repair is not going to last very long and the reappearance of the crack is inevitable.

Safety is the most important thing to remember when repointing in Tenterden. When working on the roof, make sure you tie off ladders to a sturdy structure. Together with considering your own safety on the roof, it is also advisable to establish a roped-off area on the ground, wherever falling objects may land. Repointing ridge tiles is the same process as repointing brick or block work. Once you're secured, use a metal spike to rake out loose mortar in joints you determine need repointing. Dampen the joint, apply mortar, and use a pointing trowel to smooth the joints between the ridge tiles.

Of course, occasionally a ridge tile has to be rebedded instead of repointed which requires a little more work. Again, be sure to follow all safety precautions whilst working at height. Use a chisel and hammer to remove the mortar as well as the ridge tile. Use the hammer and chisel 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, particularly if there is any evidence of rust. Remove any organic matter such as mould or moss and use a fungicide to make sure the area is protected in the future. Then soak the area in water whilst mixing mortar. Mix a stiff mortar in a ratio of 3:1 (sharp sand: cement). Dampen the roof and tile as you work. Mortar both sides of the tile and use a trowel to lay a bed of mortar on the roof. Place on the mortar bed and firmly press down. Remove any mortar that squishes out between joints. Ensure the joint gaps are filled, and smooth joints with pointing trowel.

Tuck Pointing Tenterden

What Exactly is Tuckpointing? A restoration procedure which can be used on old and battered brick or stonework where the mortar joints are unstable and crumbling, tuck pointing can be very effective. To give the illusion that they are perfectly maintained, it is an approach which is employed to aesthetically augment the appearance of walls.

The old, crumbling mortar is raked out and replaced with a mixture that is colour-blended with the brick or stone in the wall. Then to give the appearance that the joints are neat and even, where in fact the joints are actually wide and irregular, a thin contrasting line of lighter mortar is inserted.

Avoiding the need for any major work, tuck-pointing can dramatically enhance the overall appearance of a wall, and can be pretty spectacular, particularly when seen from afar. (Tags: Tuck Pointing Tenterden, Tuckpointing Tenterden, Tuck Pointing Mortar Joints Tenterden).

Chimney Repointing Tenterden

Chimneys are frequently overlooked when it comes to property maintenance, yet a chimney that is falling into disrepair can be a costly issue. During a preliminary examination of your chimney in Tenterden, a bricklayer may recommend repointing or perhaps a rebuild of your chimney, depending on the size of the damaged and affected area. Specialist chimney repointing will restore the structural stability of your chimney by replacing the crumbling, old mortar with new material. This should prevent the requirement for a total chimney rebuild and give you peace of mind for many more years. Having your chimney in Tenterden repointed also prevents damage to the inner surfaces of your chimney, by stopping moisture from seeping through the holes and cracks in old mortar. Most recently built chimneys will be lined with steel and if moisture comes into contact with this liner, it reduces its lifespan. When the repointing work has been finished, an exterior sealant is used which is water repellent and allows the release of any internal moisture.

Mortar Colour Matching

The fine details are what make masonry structures in Tenterden, especially older or historical ones, aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound. The importance of mortar colour matching stands out among these details. It might seem like a minor factor to the untrained eye, but to professionals and purists, it's a crucial element of any brick restoration project.

Mortar acts as a binding agent for bricks, stones, or other masonry products in the context of masonry. It enhances the building's visual appearance while also providing structural integrity. Observing a brick wall, we're not just seeing the bricks, but also the mortar that binds them together. Any discrepancy in mortar colour can massively affect the overall appearance of a building.

During the refurbishment or repair of buildings, the new mortar must seamlessly blend with the old. It is here that the art and science of mortar colour matching are essential. Maintaining uniformity ensures that the structure retains its original aesthetic appeal, making it look as if no work has taken place - the ultimate outcome in restoration projects.

It might appear simple at first, but finding the perfect colour match is actually quite difficult. Important considerations include:

1. Additives: Modern mortar mixes often contain a range of additives, such as colouring agents and chemicals to increase durability, and each one can affect the mortar's final colour.
2. Binders: Binding agents, specifically cement and lime, have a significant influence on the mortar's colour. Subtle shade variations can be achieved by altering the proportions in which these materials are used.
3. Sand: The selection of sand, considering its granularity, type and colour, is vital in deciding the final colour of the mortar mix. With sands from different regions varying in hue, it becomes essential to source the correct sand.

The colour of mortar is subject to change over time due to environmental influences such as temperature fluctuations, moisture and pollution in the air. Thus, the process involves not only matching the mortar's original colour but also considering how the new mortar will age compared to the old.

Colour matching of mortar has benefits that go well beyond the aesthetic realm. Problems like differential settling or thermal movement may ensue if the mortar's composition and strength are not matched. As time passes, the consequence may be a compromised structural stability of the building. (88253 - Mortar Colour Matching Tenterden)

Tenterden Repointing Tasks

Just Some of the Tasks That a Repointing Specialist Can Do

There is a variety of work that can be carried out by your local Tenterden repointing specialist including the repointing and pointing of brickwork, brickwork joint raking, brick step repointing Tenterden, dry verge installations Tenterden, lime mortar repointing Tenterden, repairs to cracks in brickwork, brick foundation repointing Tenterden, masonry repairs, cheap re-pointing Tenterden, brick repointing in Tenterden, porch repointing, repointing quotations, brick inspection, patch repointing Tenterden, tile repointing, chimney repairs, lead valleys repaired or renewed, lime mortar pointing, stone strengthening, repointing services, the repointing of stone walls Tenterden, brickwork repointing, lintel replacement, brickwork crack stitching, chimney stack repointing Tenterden, tuck pointing, the repointing of chimneys, weather struck re-pointing, crack injection in Tenterden, restorations to damaged brickwork Tenterden, rubble masonry, brickwork staining, valley repointing, roof repointing Tenterden, slab repointing, and repointing scaffolds. Listed are just a handful of the activities that are accomplished by those specialising in brick repointing. Tenterden companies will be delighted to keep you abreast of their whole range of services.

Repointing Specialists Near Tenterden

Also find: Sissinghurst repointing, Rolvenden Layne repointing, Biddenden repointing, Haigh Halden repointing, St MIchaels repointing, Wittersham repointing, Woodchurch repointing, Ashenden repointing, Benenden repointing, Parkgate repointing, Rolvenden repointing, Shadoxhurst repointing and more. There are companies who specialise in repointing in pretty much all of these areas. With their outstanding expertise, these highly skilled professionals can bring your brickwork back to life, making it appear as though it were new. Should your brickwork appear dilapidated and worn, consider enlisting professional help to restore it. Local householders can obtain repointing estimates by clicking here. Does the brickwork on your property need repointing? Get a quote today!

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