This chalky white substance is most likely efflorescence. Efflorescence is the movement of salt to the surface of a porous material, particularly brick that forms a coating. When water moves through a wall, or water is driven out through heat or hydration, this process brings salts outwards to the surface. These bricks can be cleaned or dependent on damage, removed and replaced.

Repointing is a way to repair the deteriorating mortar from the joints of the masonry and comes under our Brick Restoration services. Mortar is a mixture of sand and cements that is applied around the bricks to bind them together. Repointing is required when the mortar between the bricks is breaking down, crumbling or decaying.

 Crumbling mortar, loose bricks, internal damp areas are all signs that your brickwork may be damaged requiring repointing. Mortar over time can weaken and soften, which leads to bricks slackening exposing your brickwork to leakages. The key is to spot the signs early to prevent further damage. If unsure your masonry is deteriorating and causing further damage, call TW Brick Cleaning London for solid, honest advice.

It is difficult to provide exact times as it depends on the elements, which differ from year to year, but repointing if done professionally, will last approx. 20-50 years. It is possible but rare to complete repointing twice on the same property in one lifetime.

Not necessarily. We will take a look at your property and assess which walls will require repointing. Occasionally the front of the house or the wall most exposed to the elements will only need repointing. But each property is different and this will need to be gauged and discussed on viewing.

This will vary from job to job, dependent on size and level of damage. Once we view the job, TW Brick Cleaning London can provide realistic estimates.

A professional brickwork specialist with expertise, who appreciates the original method of pointing, should always carry out your pointing or repointing work. We understand which type of mortar was used originally, we will colour match and apply the replacement mortar with the same technique. Unsatisfactory repointing can cause exterior and interior damage.Call TW Brick Cleaning London for your repointing concerns and receive honest advise.