Repointing Cost

Trying to find out the cost of repointing a house?

So, how can this complete cost guide help you?

In this guide, we look at repointing brickwork prices for different house sizes and different conditions of pointing brickwork, as well as labour fees and the repointing cost per m².

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How Much Does Repointing Cost?

Why is repointing important?

Bricks are sturdy materials that will generally outlive you. But the mortar that holds them together needs regular attention to keep rain and damp from penetrating the walls of your home.

To rejuvenate the mortar, you will need to have your brick walls repointed.

How much will repointing a single wall cost?

Prices can range from £600 to £1,500 for a single 30m² brick wall to £1,000 up to £2,500 for a single 50m² brick wall.

What if you need a whole exterior repointing?

If you need the entire exterior of your property repointed, then this normally costs:

• £1,300 to £2,350 for a terraced house.
• £1,900 to £4,750 for a semi-detached home.
• £2,900 to £7,250 for a detached property.

What do these cost depend on?

These costs will, of course, vary depending on how damaged the mortar is and how much of it needs to be repaired. If you have any additional damage, such as damp or broken bricks, the job will take much longer and will also be a lot more expensive.

Repointing Prices

Here is a price breakdown of common repointing jobs:

Repointing Cost Calculator

Using the Repointing Cost Calculator

Unsure exactly what the length and height of the area you want to estimate the cost of repointing for is?

Below are typical measurements for different types of properties in the UK:

Supply Costs Only

Planning to repoint a brick wall yourself?

Then here is a breakdown of the different supply costs for lime, sand and white cement, which all form part of a high-quality mortar mix:

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Additional Repointing Costs

There are several others you need to consider when calculating the cost of brick wall repointing, including:

• House Rendering Cost — UK Average: £5,000
• Cost to Paint a House — UK Average: £850
• House Cladding Cost — UK Average: £3,800
• Scaffolding Hire Cost — UK Average: Varies Significantly

Labour Costs and Timescales

Finding a good bricklayer can be difficult, many are booked up weeks if not months in advance, so don't leave things till the last minute.

The average cost of repointing a house can vary depending on the style of brick and the type of method used. When calculating the price, you need to think about:

• Timescale
• Materials
• Labour

How can you calculate labour fees?

Most tradespeople will work on a meter squared basis, and they will charge anything from £20 to £50 metre squared. If they need to get some scaffolding, it will also cost a little more.

How long can repointing take?

The general time frame for repointing is around one day for small repointing jobs, while the price for repointing brickwork for an entire property could take up to six days to complete.

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What Is Repointing?

The mortar in between your bricks is called pointing, and this will need to be repaired or renewed at some point.

How can you check your pointing?

The best way to check your pointing is to simply look at it and check it's all even and pretty flush with the brickwork.

Then try running your finger along it and see if any mortar crumbles and comes away. You need to check multiple areas on all the walls, as mortar quality can be patchy, and it may look great on the back wall yet be crumbling on the front.

If you can see any gaps between the mortar and the bricks, or if any mortar comes away with your fingers, then this means you will likely need to have some repairs done on your brickwork.

Why does mortar damage occur?

Mortar damage can sometimes be localised in areas where there may have been a leak, but often the mortar will simply be timeworn and crumbling with age or have been poorly laid in the first place.

The state of the mortar in the walls will not necessarily be the same over the entire area. Typically the corners facing the prevailing winds suffer first, then areas below drips from windows or gutters. The mortar around window and door surrounds is often weak due to the vibration over the years.

So you may not need to have the entire wall repointed.

However, if you only have part of the wall repointed, the new mortar colour will stick out like a sore thumb unless you are fortunate.

What can you do?

The best plan in most cases is to repoint the entire wall, raking out some sound mortar that doesn't really need pointing and repoint that as well, so the whole wall will end up the same colour.

What Impacts How Much Repointing Costs?

In order to calculate the cost of repointing brick walls, you need to consider the following factors.

Location of Property

Where you live will contribute to the final cost evaluation, as bricklayers in different areas charge various prices. For instance, the average daily rate for a bricklayer based in London is around £220, while a tradesperson in the north-west may charge just £180 for a full day's work.

Ease of Access

If you need your entire house repointing or need repairs to the bricks near the roof, then some tradesperson charge more as the job will be more difficult and will also take longer. They may also charge for scaffold installation, which can cost up to £900.

Size of Wall

Bricklayers tend to charge £20 to £50 which is the average repointing price per m², so the size of the wall will determine the final cost. For instance, a 30m² wall tends to cost £600 to £1,500 for repointing, while a 50m² brick wall ranges from £1,000 to £2,500.

Number of Walls

When figuring out a final quote, bricklayers will assess the condition of your walls and determine how many walls need repointing. You may only get a low quote if just one wall needs fixing but if it is your entire house you could pay anywhere from £1,300 to £7,250 depending on the size of your home.

Type of Mortar Joint

Another cost affecting factor is the type of mortar joint you want. For example, a concave mortar joint tends to be harder to create as it requires a curved steel jointing tool, although once it is in place, it is incredibly durable to weather and wear.

This means it will take a lot longer in comparison to a weathered mortar finish, which usually fits into a horizontal joint and blocks out water.

What's Involved in Repointing Brick Walls?

Repointing most certainly isn’t as simple as it looks from the pavement. It involves a lot of skill (and dust!), plus, you’re working up high. It isn’t the best DIY project, unless, of course, you’re experienced and confident on ladders or scaffolding.

Your best bet is to speak to a local bricklayer or mason for this. And it’s also incredibly worthwhile getting together, say, three quotes first so you can compare scope, method and timescales.

Here’s how a tidy, professional repoint typically runs:

DIY or expert? If it’s just a few bricks at ground level and you’re pretty good with a trowel, chances are, you could take it on yourself.

But anything involving ladders, whole sections of wall, or old bricks or chimneys? Leave it to a local bricklayer. It’ll be safer and you’ll get a finish that blends in properly.

Before the Job

• DIY check — Decide if this is truly a small, safe patch you can do at ground level. Does it need towers? Are the bricks are soft? Does colour matching matter across a big area? Recruit the help of a local bricklaying pro.
• Survey and method — Your bricklayer checks to see if access is straightforward. They’ll also inspect the condition of the brick, and how deep the old mortar has failed. Next, they’ll agree a pointing style (e.g. bucket handle, recessed, weather-struck) and how they’ll control dust.
• Mortar match — A small sample is taken to match colour, texture and strength. Older bricks frequently need lime-based mortar rather than hard cement.
• Access and protection — Scaffolding/tower is arranged if needed. Windows, sills and paths are sheeted up then neighbours get a heads-up if it’s a party wall.

During the Job

• Rake out — Failed mortar is cut/raked out to a consistent depth (usually 15–20mm) without damaging the bricks. Joints are brushed/vacuumed clean.
• Dampen the work — The wall is lightly misted so the new mortar doesn’t dry too fast or crack.
• Mix and apply — Fresh mortar is mixed to the agreed spec and packed firmly into the joints in small sections so it bonds in the right way.
• Tool the joints — As the mortar firms up, joints are finished to the chosen profile for a neat, weather-tight seal.
• Clean as they go — Smears are brushed off while green (part-set) so you don’t get staining on the brick faces.

After the Job

• Curing and protection — Fresh work is protected from heavy rain, hot sun and frost while it cures. Sheeting stays on if needed.
• Final clean — Any light residue is removed, so the brick faces aren’t scuffed or etched.
• Snag and sign-off — You walk the job with the contractor, agree any touch-ups, and get advice on aftercare and when to paint or seal (if you’re planning to).

What Is the Best Mortar for Repointing Brick Walls?

There are various types of mortar, including types M, S, N and O. However, not all of them are suitable for repointing brick walls.

Professionals tend to use Type N mortar, which is a medium-strength mix which is made up of one part lime, one part cement and six parts sand. This works well with brick and stone as it is flexible, prevents cracking and is highly resistant to high heat and low temperatures.

Another popular mortar mix is Type S, which is slightly stronger than Type N and can be used for outdoor patios and below-grade exterior walls. This is made up of two parts cement, nine parts sand and one part hydrated lime.

Types of Mortar Joints

One of the most important things you need to consider is the type of mortar joint you want, as there are several types which offer various aesthetics and functions, including:

Bucket Handle

The Bucket Handle finish is probably the most popular today, introduced in the 1930s; this is where the mortar is rubbed up with a piece of tubing or a special tool shaped like a galvanised bucket handle.

Weatherstruck

Weatherstruck is a type of finish first used by the Victorians where the newly applied mortar is angled downwards to just slightly overhang the brick below to shed the water away from the joint.

Recessed

A recessed joint is an extra raked joint which is applied 2 to 5mm deeper than the wall's surface. This is fitted horizontally and is normally used in conjunction with vertical head joints.

Raked

Raked Joints is where the mortar is simply raked out to leave a flat vertical finish recessed slightly from the brick face. It is quick and easy but not popular nowadays as it allows any water to sit in the recess, which over time will cause problems.

Do My Walls Need Repointing?

If you notice any loose bricks or empty gaps between the bricks, then this is a clear sign that your walls need to be repointed. You will also need to consider repointing if the mortar has receded by 5 to 10mm.

What Are the Benefits of Repointing?

There are various advantages to having your brick walls repointed, which include the following:

Structural Integrity

Having your walls repointed will make your property walls much more robust and also ensure your home's foundations last longer and are protected against wear and tear.

Weatherproofing

One of the biggest benefits of repointing is that adding new and improved mortar will protect your home during adverse weather conditions including high heat, cold temperatures and damp.

Appearance

Old mortar tends to look unsightly, which therefore makes the exterior of your home look untidy. By repointing your brick walls, you can improve the look of your property while also enhancing kerb appeal.

Property Value

As mentioned, repointing can improve kerb appeal by updating a property's exterior, which will, therefore, more look more attractive to prospective buyers, increasing demand and property value.

Low-Maintenance

Having your walls repointed will actually save you a lot of money on maintenance and repairs, as you will not need to have your walls repointed for another 50 to 60 years. Brickwork repointing also prevents damp and leaks, which again will prevent from spending money to repair leaks or damp patches.

Cost to Remove Mortar from Brick

Before repointing your brick walls, you will need to have your old mortar removed first. For a job like this, you should expect to pay around £25 to £45 per hour for a professional to remove your outdated mortar.

A cheap option would be to remove it yourself with a hammer chisel, which will save you money but will also be a lot more time-consuming.

If you do not have the old mortar removed, then more than likely, the new mortar will fail, and you will have wasted time and money purchasing, mixing and applying mortar as it will not adhere properly.

Checklist: Hiring a Bricklayer to Repoint Your Walls

Before hiring a tradesperson to repoint your brick walls, take a look at the following checklist, which sets out everything you should look for when employing a bricklayer.

• Lime or cement? Ask what mortar they’ll use and why. Older bricks often need a lime-based mix. You want a proper colour/texture match, not a hard grey smear that traps moisture.
• Can you show a sample panel? Get a small test area first showing the joint profile (bucket handle, recessed, weather-struck) and finish, so you can approve before they crack on.
• How deep will you rake and how? They should rake out consistently to around 15–20 mm without scarring the brick faces. “No aggressive grinding on soft bricks” is what you want to hear.
• How will you handle access and protection? Is scaffolding or a tower included? What about sheeting to protect windows, sills and paths? Good firms plan dust control and clean as they go.
• What’s the bad-weather plan? Ask how they’ll protect fresh work from rain, frost and hot sun. They should be ready to pause and return if conditions aren’t right.
• Are we patching or doing the whole elevation? Patch repairs can look patchy. Agree whether they’re tackling local spots or a full run so the colour is consistent.
• Is waste removal included? Confirm they’ll take away raked-out mortar and leave the site tidy, with a final clean of the brick faces.
• Have you done similar jobs I can see? Ask for recent, comparable work — photos help — especially for chimneys, heritage brick or tricky façades.
• Do you have the right insurance? Public liability cover is a must. If they use subcontractors, those people should be covered too.
• Can you give me an itemised quote? You want labour, materials, access, protection and any making-good listed clearly, with a sensible payment schedule (no big upfronts).
• Will you keep neighbours in the loop? If it’s a party wall, a quick heads-up helps. Also check they stick to reasonable working hours.
• Do you offer a guarantee and snag visit? Aim for a workmanship warranty (e.g. 12 months) and a post-cure snag check to sort any little bits.
• What aftercare do I get? Get written advice on cleaning, when you can paint or seal (if you plan to), and simple upkeep tips to keep the brickwork sound.
• Where can I read recent reviews? Check feedback from other homeowners on their MyJobQuote profile — fresh, local reviews are the most useful.

Sources

https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/fences-gates-and-garden-walls/planning-permission
https://www.championbrickwork.co.uk/accreditations/
https://theconstructor.org/building/brick-mortar-joint-types/24636/
https://brickarchitecture.com/about-brick/why-brick/types-of-joints
https://www.sunrisetools.co.uk/blog/post/8-how-to-pointing-repointing-brickwork