Can Repointing Be Done In The Rain?
Nothing lasts forever and while mortar seems like a pretty robust product, there will come a point where it needs renewing. This process is known as repointing and will help to repair damage and seal cracks. Typically speaking, repointing only needs to be done every 20 to 30 years, but can repointing be done in the rain?
It’s OK to do repointing in light rain but anything more than this carries a risk of washing away the freshly applied mortar and causing it to run down the brickwork. It’s always best to wait until the weather is on your side.
If you’re looking to have your brickwork repointed but are concerned about the effect of the weather, we have the answers you need.
What Happens If Pointing Gets Wet?
Mortar does need water to activate so you could be forgiven for thinking that a little rain isn’t going to affect it. However, after repointing, you will want to protect your brickwork from the elements as too much water can be problematic.
A little bit of rain won’t hurt. In fact, your mortar will need to remain moist for up to 36 hours after pointing in order for it to properly cure. But when the heavens open, the rain could wash the lime out of the mortar. The result of this is that the bond is weakened and your repointing will not be as strong.
Should Bricks Be Wet Before Repointing?
Before you begin repointing your brickwork, there’s going to be a bit of prep work to do and this will begin the day before. We would recommend checking the weather forecast to be sure that there isn’t any heavy rainfall ahead; if not, you’re good to go.
24 hours before you plan to do the work, soak the brickwork using a hose. Make sure you fully cover the area and douse it as much as possible. Doing this will fully hydrate both the bricks and the existing mortar. Failing to complete this step will mean that the dry brick and mortar will soak up the moisture from the new mortar.
When you come to do the repointing, have a spray bottle of water to hand to give them a quick spritz before applying the fresh mortar.
Does Repointing Stop Damp?
As mortar wears down over time, it can develop cracks and these may allow water into the structure of the brickwork. This moisture gets into the joints of the wall and can be a cause of damp.
In this instance, repointing the wall will stop the water from getting in and your problems with damp will likely be over. However, this only works if the cracked mortar is the original cause of the damp. It may be caused through other things; rising damp, for example, and in this case, repointing will not solve the problem.
How Long Does Pointing Take To Go Off?
The time it takes for pointing to fully cure will depend on several factors. Generally speaking, freshly laid mortar will cure by up to 60% after 24 hours. However, it will then take a further 28 days before it reaches its full strength.
Things like the temperature, how much water was used in the mix, how good the air flow is and humidity levels will all impact how quickly the pointing goes off. It’s a good idea to have as stable conditions as possible for your repointing which is why we would suggest waiting for a period of warm, dry weather as opposed to attempting the job in the depths of winter when rain, snow and ice will all be a problem.
Is Repointing Brick Expensive?
Fortunately, repointing doesn’t need to be done very often, especially when the bricklayer has done an efficient job. Typically speaking, you will only need to think about having it done between every 20 and 30 years.
The bad news is that it isn’t the most affordable work you’ll ever fork out for. In the UK, you can expect to pay anywhere between £30 and £35 per square metre. When you add this up, you’d be looking at £4000 to £6000 to repoint all the walls of a standard sized home. However, you should keep in mind that this cost also covers other things such as scaffolding.
How Do You Tell If You Need Repointing?
For the average homeowner, it might not be immediately obvious when repointing is needed. But the good news is that there are some key signs you can look out for that tell you it’s time to call a reliable bricklayer.
If there are obvious cracks in the mortar, this is a clear sign that the brickwork needs repointing. In some severe cases, you may notice that the mortar is barely even there anymore and that some bricks have become loose.
In less severe situations, you may notice gaps between the bricks and the adjoining mortar. While this is not as serious as loose brickwork, it’s still something that needs attention as soon as possible.
One of the key problems with brickwork that needs repointing is that damp can become an issue. If you have problems with damp or notice that the surface of the masonry feels moist then this could also be an indication that your brickwork is in need of repointing.
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Conclusion
Repointing brickwork will improve the quality of the mortar, repairing cracks and preventing water from seeping in and causing problems with damp. This isn’t a job that needs to be carried out very often but you should keep an eye on your brickwork and take action when you notice any issues.
It’s best to do repointing in dry weather as heavy rain could wash away the lime in the mortar, therefore weakening the structural bonds between it and the bricks. A little light rain won’t do too much damage but protecting the repointing after work is complete is a good idea.