The Importance of Brick Pointing for Long-Lasting, Weather-Resistant Walls

When we talk about brick homes, period terraces, garden walls or chimneys, most people think first of the bricks themselves. What often gets overlooked is the mortar between those bricks — the thin lines that hold everything together. Over time, that mortar weathers, crumbles or erodes under British weather. That is where brick pointing becomes essential. Brick pointing ensures that walls stay secure, dry and sound for decades. It is a simple-sounding process that delivers major structural and visual benefits for homes and buildings.

Brick pointing is much more than a cosmetic touch. It plays a critical role in preserving the integrity and longevity of brickwork. Under services by exterior restoration experts much like a specialist London restoration company, brick repointing restores mortar joints, strengthens walls against damp and frost, and helps buildings stand firm through years of weather and wear.

In this article, I explore in some depth what brick pointing actually is, why it matters, when it becomes crucial, and how correct execution protects thermal comfort, prevents damp, and preserves the building’s value and appearance.

What Is Brick Pointing and Why It Matters

Brick pointing refers to the repair or renewal of the mortar joints between bricks or masonry units in a wall. Over time mortar erodes through exposure to wind, rain, frost, temperature shifts and pollution. As mortar degrades the joints widen, gaps appear, and the protective seal between bricks weakens. When mortar fails, water can seep into the walls, frost can cause internal damage, and bricks may loosen or spall.

It is important to distinguish between pointing, repointing, and related masonry practices. Pointing is the finishing of mortar joints — often applied during new construction when bricks are first laid. Repointing is the process of removing old, deteriorated mortar and replacing it with fresh mortar. This process restores both the visual and structural integrity of the masonry.

Because mortar deteriorates faster than bricks, neglecting mortar joints can compromise the whole wall even if the bricks themselves remain sound. Faulty mortar joints allow moisture infiltration, which can lead to damp inside the home, freeze-thaw damage in frost, internal mould, heat loss through cracks, and ultimately more costly repairs or even structural issues.

Moreover brick pointing improves the appearance of walls and enhances the aesthetic appeal of a building. Fresh, well-matched mortar joints give walls a neat, uniform appearance and contribute to the overall visual quality of the building.

In short, brick pointing is not an optional cosmetic measure. It is essential maintenance that protects the structural health, weather resistance, energy efficiency and value of brick buildings.

When Brick Pointing Becomes Essential for Your Home

There are clear signs to watch out for that indicate mortar joints need attention and you should consider brick pointing. When mortar begins to crumble or fall out, joints show cracks, gaps or voids, or bricks start looking loose or tired, these are signals that weathering has weakened the bond between them. If water is penetrating the joints, damp patches may appear inside the house, especially during rainy or cold periods.

Older properties typically are more vulnerable. Many older buildings were constructed using lime mortar rather than modern cement mortar. Lime mortar is more breathable and suited to traditional brickwork, but over time rain and acid-rich rainwater can wash lime out, weakening joints and putting the masonry at risk. When that happens, the deterioration often accelerates. Modern cement mortar, if applied incorrectly, can also cause problems, particularly for older masonry, by trapping moisture or causing spalling of the bricks.

Winter months and freeze-thaw cycles especially increase stress on mortar joints. When water collects in joints and then freezes, it expands and can crack or spall mortar and bricks. Without timely intervention, you run the risk of long-term structural damage, rising damp, and expensive repairs to bricks or even internal walls.

Even apparently superficial issues — such as small gaps or worn mortar in just a section of wall — should not be ignored. Over time the damage can spread, and what might begin as a manageable repair becomes a major restoration job. Early detection and timely brick pointing can save significant expense and disruption later.

How Proper Brick Pointing Should Be Done

Brick pointing is more than simply filling in gaps with mortar. It requires careful attention to materials, techniques and the original character of the building. The first step is the removal of deteriorated mortar down to a safe depth, leaving the brick faces intact. It is essential to avoid damaging the brick surface — especially any fired brick face — as this protects the structural core of the brick from undermining.

Once the old mortar is removed, the choice of new mortar is critical. The new mix must take into account the age of the building, the type of bricks used, and the original mortar composition. For older masonry it may be more appropriate to use a lime-based mortar that breathes and allows moisture to escape. For newer buildings, a stronger cement-based mortar may be acceptable. Using the wrong mortar — too hard, too soft, too impermeable — can lead to future cracking, poor bonding, trapped damp, or spalling bricks.

After mixing the correct mortar, it is then shaped and applied to recreate mortar joints with a finish matching the original style. The pointing should be neat, uniform, and aligned with the existing brick coursing. Once the mortar is set and cured, the wall regains its strength and weather resistance. Proper pointing is labour intensive, requiring skilled masons, and often hand tools like chisels rather than power tools, to avoid brick damage.

In older or heritage buildings, this careful, traditional approach is more important than speed or low cost. A high-quality job that respects the original mortar composition, texture, and finish preserves both the structural integrity and heritage character of the building.

The Benefits of Doing Brick Pointing Correctly

When executed properly, brick pointing delivers a wide range of benefits to a property — structural, functional, aesthetic and financial.

Firstly, brick pointing renews structural integrity. By restoring mortar joints you restore the bond that holds bricks together, stabilising walls and mitigating the risk of bulging, loose bricks, or eventual collapse. This protects against major structural issues arising from damp, frost or settlement.

Secondly, brick pointing improves weather resistance. Repointed joints prevent rainwater entering the wall, frost damage, damp and cold seeping into interior spaces, and heat loss through gaps. This is especially important in climates with frequent rain and cold winters, where moisture infiltration and freeze-thaw cycles can be destructive.

Thirdly, brick pointing contributes to the longevity of the building. With sound mortar joints a properly repaired wall can remain solid and weatherproof for decades. Neglecting mortar maintenance can accelerate decay, leading to frequent repairs and even replacement of large sections of masonry.

Fourthly, properly repointed brickwork improves the aesthetic appearance of the building. Fresh mortar joints refresh the look of walls, restore uniformity, and highlight the colour and texture of the bricks. For older or heritage buildings the restoration of traditional mortar joints can help preserve or recapture the original character and charm of the building.

Finally, there is a financial benefit. Properties with well maintained and structurally sound brickwork tend to hold their value better. If you plan to sell or rent, good brickwork can be a visible sign of care, maintenance and quality. In addition, proactive repointing is usually far cheaper than waiting until moisture damage, structural issues or damp make themselves felt — at which point costs rise significantly.

Why Professional Brick Pointing Is Often Better Than DIY

It may be tempting for a homeowner to do small repairs themselves — after all, mortar and bricks look simple enough. However, brick pointing is a delicate job that demands expertise and skill. Inappropriate use of power tools, wrong mortar mix, or poor finishing can cause more harm than good. For older buildings with fragile masonry, mistakes can lead to trapped damp, spalling bricks, mismatched mortar colour, or uneven joints that detract from appearance and structural integrity.

Correct repointing requires careful removal of old mortar, selection of matched mortar, precise filling and finishing of joints, and awareness of moisture and weather conditions during curing. It also often involves working at height — for example on chimneys or taller walls — which can be dangerous without proper equipment and training.

Experienced restoration firms that specialise in brick pointing bring skill, knowledge of materials, traditional craftsmanship and safety procedures. They understand how to match mortar strength and colour, how to preserve brick integrity, and how to work safely at height. A professional job ensures long-lasting results and reduces the chance of costly mistakes.

How Brick Pointing Supports Home Preservation and Heritage

For older homes, historic buildings, or heritage properties, brick pointing is not just maintenance but preservation. The mortar originally used may have been lime-based, a breathable material that allowed walls to naturally regulate moisture. Over time, improper repairs or neglect can lead to trapped damp, internal mould, damage to internal plaster or timber, and loss of heritage character.

When restoration is done correctly, using suitable mortar (often lime-based) and traditional techniques, the building’s breathable fabric is preserved. This supports long-term health of the masonry, internal walls, wooden floors, and plaster. It also helps maintain the authentic appearance of heritage buildings, preserving their original character and charm.

Brick pointing also plays a role in energy efficiency and comfort. By sealing joints and eliminating gaps, walls become less draughty, resist damp, and hold heat better, contributing to a warmer, more comfortable home. This is especially relevant in older buildings that often suffer heat loss through deteriorated brickwork or poor mortar joints.

In essence, brick pointing is not just a repair method. For heritage and older buildings it is an act of stewardship — protecting the home’s history, structural integrity, and future comfort.

Key Considerations When Planning Brick Pointing

Before deciding to undertake brick pointing, there are several key considerations to keep in mind. First is the timing. Brick pointing should be done as soon as signs of deteriorated mortar appear. Delaying can allow moisture ingress, frost damage, or structural decay to spread, increasing repair costs and complicating restoration.

Second is the choice of mortar. It is important to match the mortar type, strength, texture and colour to the original building. For older or historic masonry lime mortar may be appropriate; for newer construction, cement mortar may be acceptable — but only if applied correctly. The wrong mortar can trap moisture or cause bricks to spall.

Third is the quality of workmanship. Skilled masons must carry out the removal of old mortar carefully, avoid damage to bricks, and apply and finish new mortar neatly. They should also consider weather conditions, curing times, and worksite protection to ensure a clean, durable result.

Fourth is safety and scale of the job. For small garden walls or limited sections, the work may be manageable. But for entire walls, chimneys, or heritage façades — especially on tall buildings — professional intervention is safer and more reliable.

Finally, post-work care matters. After repointing, newly applied mortar joints may benefit from gentle curing — for instance misting lightly to help mortar cure slowly and evenly, reduce shrinkage cracks, and enhance bond strength. Regular inspections after heavy weather to detect any new cracks or loose mortar is also wise to catch issues early.

A Broader View: Brick Pointing in Modern Home Maintenance and Restoration

In the wider context of home maintenance and building conservation, brick pointing sits at the intersection of structural integrity, heritage preservation, aesthetic care and owner comfort. For modern houses, regular mortar maintenance can extend wall life significantly, reduce heat loss, and avoid damp. For older or listed buildings, careful repointing helps preserve historical character while safeguarding against weather and decay.

In addition to brick pointing, good maintenance may include gentle brick cleaning, render removal where appropriate to reveal original brickwork, paint removal or stone cleaning, and sensitive restoration to maintain breathability and structural health. When combined, these practices ensure a home remains a safe, dry, comfortable, and beautiful space for generations.

Overall, brick pointing is a smart investment rather than an expense. It protects the skeleton of the building — the brickwork — and ensures that every brick continues doing its job properly: holding together, resisting weather, insulating, and contributing to the home’s heritage and value.

Conclusion

Brick pointing is one of those home maintenance tasks that rarely gets glamorous attention — yet it may be one of the most important for the durability, comfort and value of a brick-built property. Over time mortar joints will degrade, and if ignored, moisture, frost and structural stresses can erode the very foundation of external walls. Proper repointing renews those joints, restores strength and weather resistance, improves thermal comfort, and preserves both structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.

Whether you live in a modern build, a period home, a chimneyed house or a garden wall, keeping an eye on the mortar between your bricks is a wise part of responsible home ownership. Skilled brick pointing done with care, the right materials and good workmanship is a powerful way to protect your home’s future.

If you ever notice mortar crumbling, gaps, damp patches inside your home, or loose bricks, it is a good moment to consider professional brick pointing. Early attention can save you time, money and worry in the long term.