As a homeowner, it can be difficult to know whether your brickwork needs attention or whether what you’re seeing is just normal wear and tear.
The good news is there are some clear signs to look out for. Here’s what Alexander Pointing Ltd, a family run business with over 30 years experience, recommend you check.
Check the Mortar Joints
The mortar joints are the lines of material between your bricks or stones. Run your finger along them — if the mortar crumbles, comes away easily or feels soft and sandy, it’s deteriorating and needs attention. Healthy mortar should feel hard and solid.
Also look at how deep the joints are. If the mortar has receded significantly — more than a few millimetres back from the face of the brick — water will be getting in and causing damage behind the surface.
Look for Damp Patches Inside
One of the most telling signs that your pointing has failed is damp patches appearing on your internal walls, particularly after heavy rain. If you notice dark patches, peeling wallpaper or a musty smell on walls that back onto external brickwork, deteriorating mortar is often the cause.
Don’t ignore this — once water starts getting into the structure of your home it can cause serious and expensive damage over time.
Check for Loose or Shifting Bricks
If any bricks feel loose or have shifted position, this is a sign that the mortar holding them in place has failed completely. This needs to be addressed urgently as loose brickwork can become a safety issue, particularly on higher sections of the property.
Look for Moss, Algae or Plant Growth
Moss and algae thrive in damp conditions. If you notice green growth taking hold in the joints between your bricks, it’s a sign that moisture is being retained in the mortar — usually because it has started to break down. Left unchecked, plant growth can accelerate the deterioration of both the mortar and the bricks themselves.
Inspect After Winter
The best time to inspect your brickwork is in spring, after your property has been through a full winter. Frost is particularly damaging to mortar — water gets into small cracks, freezes, expands and opens up the crack further. A full winter of freeze-thaw cycles can cause significant deterioration that wasn’t visible the previous autumn.
When in Doubt Get a Free Inspection
If you’re unsure whether your home needs repointing, the safest approach is to get a professional opinion. At Alexander Pointing Ltd we offer free no-obligation inspections across Manchester, Bury, Salford, Stockport, Oldham and the wider North West.
We’ll give you an honest assessment of what needs doing and a straightforward quote with no hidden extras. As a family run business with over 30 years experience, we take pride in giving honest, reliable advice — whether you need work doing or not.
Call us today on 0161 327 2843 to arrange your free inspection.