5 signs your brickwork needs repointing
Pointing doesn’t last forever. Weather, frost and time all wear it down - and once it fails, water gets into the wall.
Catching it early keeps the job small. Here are the tell-tale signs worth checking for.
None of these checks need a ladder or any special tools - just five minutes on a dry day. Here’s what to look for, and what each sign means.
What to look for
Have a look at your walls, chimney and any garden walls on a dry day:
- Mortar that’s cracked, crumbling or missing in places
- Joints you can rake out easily with a screwdriver
- Gaps or recesses where mortar has eroded back
- Damp patches appearing on inside walls
- Loose, spalled or flaking brick faces
Why it matters
Mortar is the sacrificial part of a wall - it’s meant to wear before the brick does. Once it’s gone, the brick takes the weather instead, which is far more costly to repair.
Repointing in good time keeps water out, protects the brick, and gives the whole property a noticeable lift.
Should you wait or act now?
A few hairline gaps on a sheltered wall can often wait a season or two. Missing mortar, damp showing inside, or badly eroded joints on an exposed elevation should be dealt with sooner - once water is getting in, the damage only accelerates with each frost.
If you’re not sure how urgent it is, that’s exactly what a free survey is for. We’ll tell you honestly whether it needs doing now or can safely be left, and we won’t try to talk you into work you don’t need.
Frequently asked questions
How much will the work cost?+
Every job is quoted individually after a free survey, so you get an accurate fixed price rather than a vague estimate. There’s no charge for the quote and no obligation to go ahead.
Do you cover my area?+
We’re Manchester-based and cover the whole of Greater Manchester and Cheshire - including Stockport, Salford, Trafford, Altrincham, Sale, Ashton-under-Lyne and Hyde.
Can you quote from photos?+
Often, yes. A few clear photos and your postcode are usually enough for a ballpark figure, and we’ll confirm it with a quick visit before any work starts.
Are you insured and guaranteed?+
Yes - we carry full public liability insurance and guarantee our workmanship on every job.
How Quick Point can help
If anything here applies to your property, the next step is simple: book a free, no-obligation survey. We'll look at your brickwork in person, explain what (if anything) it needs, and give you a clear fixed price. We cover Manchester, Cheshire and Tameside, every job is fully insured and guaranteed, and we'll always give you honest advice - including telling you when work can safely wait.
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Ready for a free, no-obligation quote?
We're on site across the area every day - the quickest way to reach us is the contact form. Send a few details and we'll come and take a look.