Brick walls are useful! Many houses are made with brick, as are garden walls, and a variety of other objects. The simple fact is brick is durable, it’s weather-resistant and difficult to damage.
But, time does take its toll on the cement that sits between the bricks. This is what weakens walls and creates issues in the future. The good news is that this cement can be refilled and refinished to strengthen the wall and make it look as good as new. Possibly even better!
Refinishing the cement is known as re-pointing. To get a really good finish you may want to get professional assistance. A reputable brick re-pointing will handle everything for you and leave your wall looking stunning.
But, if you prefer to do it yourself, here’s what you need to know.
Removing Mortar
The first step is to remove the old mortar. If you want to ensure the wall stays strong it’s important to get rid of the mortar and put in new. However, don’t take all the mortar out in one go, it will weaken the wall and you may end up re-building instead of re-pointing.
Instead, work in one section at a time. Using either a cold chisel or a joint raker pull the old cement out of each joint. You need to remove approximately ½ inch worth of cement.
Wetting The Wall
Now that you’ve prepared your wall for the new mortar you need to soak it. Use a hose and cover the area that you’re about to re-point. You want to get the wall saturated so that the bricks absorb the moisture. If they are hydrated they won’t absorb moisture from your cement. If they do absorb moisture from your cement it will become dry and fall out easily.
It’s a good idea to soak them with water a day before you re-point and then lightly spray them before you start.
The Mortar
It’s important to get the mixture right. The critical part is understanding the age of your home. House younger than 50 years can use standard cement mortar. However, if they’re older than this you’ll want to mix the mortar with lime. This helps to prevent the older bricks from cracking.
The most common mix is six parts of fine sand, two parts lime, and one part cement.
You’ll want to make this in small batches to prevent it hardening too quickly for you to use.
When you’re ready use a pointing trowel to work the cement into the gaps in your bricks. Make sure every gap is stuffed full before using the flat edge of the trowel across the face of your bricks. This ensures the mortar is in line with the bricks, has a uniform look, and you’re not wasting it.
You should also use a wire brush to remove mortar on your bricks. Wait at least an hour to let the mortar harden before using the wire brush.
Finally, mist the wall daily for the next three or four days, this prevents the mortar from drying to quickly and cracking.
It’s a slow and tedious job but the end result is worth it.
Designing a home is often referred to as a very intimate thing, a balance of the aesthetic and the emotional, the timeless and the functional. This Mother’s Day 2025, Dulux Velvet Touch joined hands with K2 India, helmed by Sunita Kohli and Kohelika Kohli, to bring their vision to life. For them, design isn’t just […]
As houses become more efficient and conscious, bathroom storage design is rising to the occasion in terms of function and aesthetic. In 2025, all about sleek looks, intelligent solutions, and eco-friendliness. From floating vanity to modular organizers, these bathroom storage solutions merge functionality with style, ideal for contemporary Indian homes that need order, sophistication, and […]
When it comes to bathrooms, many people prioritize aesthetics, luxury, modernity, and so on. And indeed, the end result is often beautiful, especially when done by highly-trained professionals like Denver Bathroom Pros. While you’re at it though, why not add in one more aspect to focus on? Wellness is a concept often overlooked by homeowners […]
We often wander through our homes on autopilot, barely noticing the surfaces beneath our feet. Yet the humble rug—particularly the increasingly popular washable rugs — can transform our living spaces in ways we rarely pause to appreciate. These fabric canvases not only protect our floors and provide comfort, but they also create invisible boundaries that […]
Curtains for living room spaces do more than cover windows—they define mood, enhance style, and elevate functionality. In India, where design preferences blend tradition with innovation, choosing the right curtains for living room décor becomes a key element in crafting beautiful and personalised interiors. From airy sheers to rich velvets, every curtain style speaks a […]
Lighting in interior design isn’t simply a utility anymore; it makes a statement, strong and bold in the individual’s personality, mood, and style. Lighting has gone beyond the functional in Indian homes or offices. They are now used to incorporate beautiful installations that are unique, sculptural, and custom-made to evoke strong designs in these environments. […]
Timeless architectural features, such as courtyards, are always associated with bringing the naturally public forms to the world’s heart, building the most peaceful, secluded outdoor areas. These outdoor spaces maximize the living experience with their private space feature, which gives one the option for leisurely relaxation, recreation, or gardening. Furthermore, it has also been a […]
Indian homes place equal importance on pooja room door designs as they do on main door designs. With diverse and unique ethnic backgrounds, every family strives to reflect their personalities and identities in their designs. These identities can encompass religious or spiritual interests, local contexts, or other personal elements. This series of blogs, featuring 50 […]
The integration of screening evergreen trees serves as an artful blend of practicality and natural beauty. These screening evergreen trees, with their lush foliage and diverse benefits, play a crucial role in enhancing privacy. It also blocks unwanted views, and contributes to the overall well-being of homeowners. From the majestic Jamun trees to the versatile […]
Gate Design is an important feature of any home. Numerous scopes for experimentation open up when delving into the design possibilities. Materials like wood and black steel are popular options in Indian homes. At the same time, designers also experiment with a combination of materials that suits their aesthetic. Buying mass-produced Sydney automated gates has […]