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.
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 […]
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. […]
Flooring design is an important element for the overall aesthetics and function of your home. Whether you prefer the classic style of marble, the tradition and warmth of wooden flooring, or the practical use of tiles, the right flooring can revive your space. With shifts in design trends, Indian homes are starting to incorporate a […]
When designing a home, interior decor ideas to craft spaces become a necessity. From small plant vases to big furniture pieces everything comes in handy for making space speak one’s personality. But with an ample amount of products available in the market, it becomes daunting at times what to choose. With this blog, we cover […]
A bedroom is more than just a place to sleep, it’s a personal retreat that reflects your style. Modern bedroom designs are the best mix of functionality, comfort, as well as aesthetics that transform an ordinary space into an elegant yet inviting one. Whether you like minimalistic design, industrial design, warm wood, and linen in […]
The Indian home decor market has undergone a remarkable transformation, driven by rapid urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and a growing preference for personalized, high-quality interiors. No longer are homeowners settling for mass-produced decor—there is a clear shift towards customization, exclusivity, and sustainable choices. The demand for bespoke home decor products, especially wallpapers, is skyrocketing as […]
Have you ever walked into a home and instantly felt a sense of peace, like everything just “flows” perfectly? Or, on the flip side, stepped into a space that felt heavy, cluttered, or just… off? Believe it or not, the way a home is designed and decorated affects not just its aesthetics but also the […]
Tiny house designs are very exciting and intimidating in themselves. Moreover, they come with their benefits and challenges as well. To know and understand tiny house designs, one must have enough knowledge about the challenges one can face. It can be individual or separate entities and also can be shared living spaces. The following are […]
A well-designed false ceiling design for hall can create the entire mood of your interiors by adding elegance and character to the space. From simple gypsum to highly designed wooden patterns, these ceiling designs not only beautify the whole ambience but also improve sound quality distribution, thermal insulation, and lighting distribution within the room. In […]