Repointing Whitwick Leicestershire (LE67): No matter how old your home or business premises in Whitwick is, there will come a point when a little maintenance and repair is needed. You will need specialist help to prevent it from getting worse, if you have noticed the mortar between the bricks on your Whitwick property are crumbling and cracking. A competent brick repointing contractor in Whitwick will provide an efficient solution to repoint your brickwork and make certain that it remains watertight.
The soundness of any structure is only as good as its mortar and bricks. If the mortar is in an unsatisfactory condition with gaps, holes or crumbling sections, then damp or draughts can enter your home and cause many issues with structure and its interior. It's pretty easy to determine when you might need to do some repointing?
You basically need to take a close look at the condition of the mortar and bricks on your home. If you can see problems then you've got a problem. In places that are hidden or remote, for example under eaves or on chimney stacks; you might need to call on the services of a professional to help you, but in most scenarios you will be able to see any obvious signs of degradation yourself.
It is not only that crumbling mortar looks awful, there are safety issues that can result from this as well. If the mortar is in a bad state of repair this can have an impact on the entire integrity of a building, as the mortar is the "glue" that binds the structure and shape to keep it sound. There can be severe consequences and possibly even a risk to life, in properties that have become unsound.
If your mortar has been neglected over the years, or you are restoring an older property in Whitwick, you might also need to restore brickwork that's been damaged or weakened. It's vital that you use a professional brick repointing company in Whitwick, so that they can replace or repair any damaged sections of brickwork before the repointing is carried out. This will ensure the best possible finish to your home, with no unpleasant surprises down the road.
To help protect the brickwork, many dwellings in Whitwick had their exterior walls painted or plastered over. Any bubbling, peeling or discolouration of paint or plaster could indicate damage to either bricks or mortar beneath the surface. The only effective way to make certain the degradation does not spread further and trigger structural issues as time goes on, is to get a professional contractor to do a survey. You can then be secure in the knowledge that your exterior walls are in the best condition possible, and that the renovation work has been completed by a professional.
WHAT ARE THE STEPS IN REPOINTING BRICKWORK IN WHITWICK?
It takes time to repoint a whole house and, subject to the style of your home, can also involve working at considerable height. The first step for a repointing specialist will be to conduct an eyes-on survey of the building and the work that's required. This survey will enable them to offer you a quote for the the entire project. You should not automatically presume that the cheapest estimate is best, and make sure to get a minimum of 3 quotations before make up your mind.
If the surveyor who carried out the original site survey was unable to view and inspect some out-of-reach areas of your property, a ladder or even a scaffold may be required to complete another more thorough investigation. Supplementary charges could be added to the quotation, if this 2nd more meticulous survey uncovers more serious issues. The older the building, the more chance that it is going to need to be repointed, and this is especially true for those houses in Whitwick that are more than sixty years old.
Work can commence as soon as all the issues have been confirmed. Even single storey buildings and bungalows might need some form of scaffolding to establish a secure platform for your repointing team. Once the scaffold is in position some protective sheeting will be secured to the outside of it. This is to stop any dust or debris damaging your property or that of nearby neighbours.
All conduits, cables and pipes which are fixed to the wall may be removed or loosened so that the walls behind them can be accessed. After the repointing work has been completed these pipes and cables can all be put back as they were.
Many properties in Whitwick are either rendered, painted or pebble-dashed, and if this is the situation with your home, these cosmetic coverings will need to be stripped off so that the pointing specialists can get to the brickwork. To guarantee a uniform finish for your outside walls, the brickwork surfaces behind such coverings will have to be thoroughly sanded and cleaned.
If you've not chosen a style of finish (Recessed, Tuck, Weather Struck or Flush pointing), or you want to see how the different pointing methods appear on your home, a reputable Whitwick repointing specialist will be happy to mock up a test panel on your property. This helps you see how each design will look on your home and showcase the different styles and colours available.
The next phase is to take out the old, crumbling mortar by raking and scraping out the joints in the brickwork. This is a time consuming process and entails the chipping or grinding away of old mortar and brushing out all the dust and loose debris to provide a good platform onto which to apply the new mortar. The repointing team will be particularly watchful 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.
One thing that must be avoided is the rapid drying out of the fresh mortar, and this can be averted by dampening the walls. This helps create a solid joint by maintaining the flexilibility of the mortar and preventing cracks. During the application of the mortar there'll be smears and some excess mortar on the brickwork which looks untidy, however this will be removed once it's dried out. The repointers will tackle the brickwork in small sections, pointing and cleaning each one as they go along before starting on a new area.
It's possible that as the repointers are working they may find crumbling bricks that need replacing, or perhaps an issue with a chimney stack or lead flashing, and an experienced repointer will be able to complete these repair work as they go along.
Any paint, rendering or other wall covering that you require will be put back as soon as all of the remedial work has been finished. The final step of the project will see all cables, pipes and other fixtures fixed back in their rightful positions, scaffolding dismantled and all waste removed and disposed of.
Repointing your house using an experienced Whitwick company will mean you won't need to worry yourself about your exterior brickwork for another fifty years or more. All repointing work should be provided with a satisfaction guarantee of at least 12 months and have building and construction industry certifications.
Such accreditations may include the likes of: the National Federation of Building Contractors, the National House Building Council and the Federation of Master Builders, while qualifications might range between NVQ's, City & Guilds and Diplomas from industry specialists like the CIOB (Chartered Institute of Building). The Construction Skills Certification Scheme is a requirement for anybody working in the building industry and they must be able to show you their CSCS card when requested to demonstrate their ability be working on site.
Ridge Tile Repointing
Roof tiles and mortar joints should be examined every other year at a minimum. Repointing cracks in mortar joints can prevent leaking roofs and costly re-roofing jobs in Whitwick. Pay close attention to ridge tiles as they're exposed to weathering from all sides and may develop mortar cracks 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.
Unfortunately, at times a ridge tile needs to be rebedded instead of repointed which requires a little more work. Again, ensure that you use all safety precautions whilst 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 underside of the ridge tile. Once the ridge tile is off, replacing the ridge iron is advisable, especially if there is any sign of rust. Remove any organic matter such as moss and algae and apply a fungicide to make certain 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 proceed. Mortar each side of the ridge tile and use a trowel to lay a bed of mortar on the roof. Place the tile on the mortar bed and firmly press down. Remove any mortar that seeps out between joints. Make certain the joint gaps are filled, and smooth joints with pointing trowel.
Brick Cleaning Whitwick
Brick cleaning is a process that involves removing grime, muck, and other stains from the surface of brick walls. The exposure to pollution and the elements over an extended period can cause the bricks to become unsightly and lose their colour. By restoring the bricks to their original colour and texture, brick cleaning can enhance the building's aesthetic appeal.
Brick cleaning methods vary and can include chemical cleaning, power washing and sandblasting. The cleaning approach chosen will be determined by the nature of the stains and the state of the bricks. The safety and effectiveness of the brick cleaning process are paramount, and it is recommended to hire a specialist company with the necessary expertise in the field.
The practical benefits of brickwork cleaning are often overlooked, in addition to the aesthetic improvements it brings. Clean bricks are not as absorbent, helping to keep out moisture and prevent the growth of mould and damp. By cleaning your bricks, you can increase their durability and avoid costly repairs down the line. It's important to choose a brick cleaning contractor that takes environmental factors into consideration, such as the products and methods used during the process. In addition to that, the company you choose should provide a detailed project estimate and timeline to avoid unexpected costs and delays.
Tuckpointing
Tuckpointing is a procedure for repointing old and deteriorating brick or stonework where the mortar joints are crumbling and unstable. It's purpose is to improve the cosmetic appearance of walls, giving the impression that they are in perfect condition and in much better condition than they really are.
The crumbling, old mortar will be raked out and replaced with a new mixture which is colour-blended with the brick or stone in the wall. Then to make it look like the joints are tidy and neat, where in fact the joints are actually wide and irregular, a thin contrasting strip of mortar is inserted.
Avoiding the requirement for any disruptive renovations, tuck-pointing can dramatically enhance the overall appearance of a wall, and can be pretty eye-catching, in particular when observed from afar.
Brickwork Crack Stitching
When brickwork buildings and structures have significant cracks in them, a process known as brickwork crack stitching can be used to repair them. To reinforce the weakened brickwork, stainless steel rods are inserted into the mortar bed of the affected brickwork and held in place with a unique grouting process. The intention behind this strategy is to reinforce the mortar bed, provide extra support to the damaged brickwork, and stop further cracking from occurring. The steel rods used in this procedure are designed to flex and twist, allowing them to move with the brickwork and absorb any extra stresses. This procedure is not limited to any specific structure and can be used for repairing cracks in a host of brick structures in Whitwick, such as walls, bridges, chimneys and arches. By employing this process, a common problem in brickwork structures can be effectively addressed, resulting in an extended life expectancy for the structure. Whether dealing with a modern or historic structure, this procedure can be utilised to provide a non-intrusive and effective repair solution, which is frequently preferred to more extensive strategies such as rebuilding or repointing. It is crucial to point out that crack stitching requires the expertise of a professional with experience in this technique, as incorrect installation may lead to additional damage to the structure.
Mortar Colour Matching
The success of a brick restoration and repointing project in Whitwick depends heavily on the crucial task of mortar colour matching. The primary objective is to harmonise the new mortar with the old, preserving a cohesive look and acknowledging the structure's original appearance. This process requires the judicious selection of suitable colours and types of sand, cement, and any other additives involved. A discerning eye is needed for this process, along with a deep understanding of the materials and the way that they behave with time. A mismatched mortar can detract from the overall look of the structure, making colour matching by a professional crucial for successful repointing. By investing in exact mortar colour matching, we can ensure a seamless blend between the older and restored areas, safeguarding the building's aesthetic and historical significance. (90652 - Mortar Colour Matching Whitwick)
Other Tradespeople in Whitwick: When you're looking at doing improvements to your property in Whitwick, Leicestershire, it's quite possible you'll need a number of tradespeople during the course of the project, and while you might currently be looking for a local Whitwick repointing specialist, you could also be interested in the services of groundwork in Whitwick, waste removal in Whitwick, floor screeding in Whitwick, SKIP HIRE in Whitwick, a bricklayer in Whitwick, stone worktops in Whitwick, a plasterer in Whitwick, a stoneworker in Whitwick, a tiler in Whitwick, a building contractor in Whitwick, scaffolding in Whitwick, an electrician in Whitwick, brickwork cleaning in Whitwick, an odd job man in Whitwick, a roofer in Whitwick, pressure washing in Whitwick, a basement conversion specialist in Whitwick, and more.
Repointing Specialists Near Whitwick
Also find: Oaks in Charndon repointing, Coleorton repointing, Swannington repointing, Peggs Green repointing, Snibston repointing, Bardon Hill repointing, Stanton under Bardon repointing, Thringstone repointing, Ellistown repointing, New Swannington repointing, Ravenstone repointing, Hugglescote repointing, Donington le Heath repointing and more.
Whitwick Repointing Tasks
Just Some of the Work That a Repointing Specialist Can Do
There are a wide range of tasks that can be conducted by your local Whitwick repointing specialist including brick cleaning, cheap re-pointing Whitwick, brick & mortar tinting, rubble masonry, roof repointing Whitwick, repairs to cracks in brickwork, the repointing of chimney stacks, valley repointing Whitwick, porch repointing, brickwork joint raking Whitwick, lime mortar repointing Whitwick, lead valleys repaired or renewed Whitwick, mortar rake grinding in Whitwick, repointing work on mortar joints, mortar raking, brickwork crack repairs, dry verge installations in Whitwick, renovations to damaged brickwork, facade restoration, repointing quotes in Whitwick, masonry and brick decorating, weather struck pointing and repointing in Whitwick, brick step repointing, house pointing, ridge tile repointing Whitwick, foundation repointing Whitwick, brick sealing, brick conservation, stone re-pointing, chimney repairs, brick staining, chimney repointing Whitwick, brick gable end repointing Whitwick, lintel replacement in Whitwick, crack injection, and repointing scaffolds. These are just a selection of the duties that are performed by local experts in repointing. Whitwick companies will inform you of their entire range of services.
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