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.
In an age of extravagance, minimalist interior design is a welcome splash of fresh air for home. De-cluttering the extraneous, prioritizing function, and embracing sleek visual beauty, minimalism is more a philosophy than a style. While minimalist interiors to others appear sparse or too minimalist, real estate trends indicate that minimalist, uncluttered houses are what […]
When designing a small space kitchen planners use smart solutions that help to save space and create a practical clutter-free kitchen environment for space and cooking things. A small space kitchen design can be very functional and beautiful if every inch is used and the right materials are selected. Having a small kitchen can be […]
Along with other furniture, storage units for living room play a vital role in Indian households. From handcrafted artifacts to vases and books, everything is stored in these units. Adding storage units for living room makes the space truly multipurpose while also acting as a fine decor element. Vivid products like TV units, bookshelves, consoles, […]
A well-designed driveway not only adds value to your property but also improves functionality and curb appeal. When it comes to creating a durable, attractive parking area, choosing the right type of parking tiles are essential. Parking tiles are specifically designed to withstand the weight of vehicles, resist weather elements, and maintain their appearance over […]
Looking to transform your dining space? A modern crockery unit design can be the key element for the upgrade! In addition to its usefulness, an ideal crockery unit design provides a less cluttered space, adds ease of access, and serves as a feature of your home. Recent innovations in design also allow you to adapt […]
Modular houses are prefabricated structures built in modules manufactured and assembled on-site. They are built under controlled plant conditions, using the same materials, and designed to the same codes and standards as conventionally built facilities but in about half the time. As a result, this reduces the construction cost to 30% to 50% less than […]
Brick houses have been a cornerstone of architecture for centuries, celebrated for their durability, aesthetic versatility, and timeless appeal. In modern design, architects continue to explore innovative ways to incorporate brick into residential spaces, blending traditional materials with contemporary needs. While the design of each brick house is unique, there are several ways to incorporate […]
Architecture is not just a profession, it is an evolving journey of discovery, adaptation, and growth. At Elev8 2025, Architect Hiren Patel takes us on a journey into the design philosophy of Monkey Forest Villa. He explores the architectural elements that contribute to the home’s artistry. He also offers insight into the story of his design […]
One of the significant decor elements for the living room is the sofa. Sofa designs for living room radiates the feeling of comfort, the dweller’s personality, and their personal touch to the design. From traditional Indian settees to modern-day lounges, with plenty of choices available, it can be puzzling what to choose. With this curation […]
Plants for home garden, apart from making houses look more beautiful and inviting, add health and calmness to them. Having any kind of indoor plant, a herb plant or a flowering plant adds some value to your decor and the quality of the space. Always choose plants that will flourish in your space and climate. […]