Preserving the Structural Integrity and Aesthetic Heritage of the Capital’s Masonry
In the architectural landscape of London, the “pointing”—the mortar joints between your bricks—is far more than a decorative finish. It is the critical barrier that protects your home from the relentless British weather, manages moisture levels, and maintains structural stability. At Pointing by Tony Wallace, we provide the most comprehensive repointing services in London, combining three decades of local experience with traditional master-craftsmanship.
Whether you are looking to restore a Grade II listed townhouse in Kensington, a Victorian terrace in Fulham, or a commercial property in the City, we understand that every London building has a unique story and a specific requirement.
Why Does Your London Property Need Repointing?
London’s historic brickwork—primarily built with London Stock and Red Rubber bricks—is porous by design. The original architects intended for the mortar joints to be “sacrificial.” This means the mortar is designed to weather away over 50–60 years, protecting the bricks from damage.
Signs You Need a Professional Repointing Specialist:
- Visible Voids: Gaps in the mortar where insects, moss, and water can penetrate.
- Damp Internal Walls: Moisture “wicking” through failed joints into your living space.
- Crumbling Mortar: Sand and grit falling from the wall, indicating the binder has failed.
- Spalling Bricks: The faces of the bricks are popping off—often a sign that a previous builder used incorrect cement-based mortar.
Our Specialist London Repointing Process
We don’t believe in shortcuts. A “patch job” with cheap cement will cause more damage in the long run. Our professional process involves:
1. Deep Raking and Preparation
The secret to long-lasting pointing is the depth of the “rake.” We meticulously remove old, perished mortar to a depth of at least 15mm–20mm. In busy London residential areas, we use specialized dust-extraction tools to ensure minimal disruption to you and your neighbors. We never use aggressive grinders that “over-cut” and damage the bricks—a common error made by non-specialist builders.
2. The Science of Lime Mortar
For any London property built before 1930, Natural Hydraulic Lime (NHL) is essential. Lime mortar is vapor-permeable, allowing the building to “breathe.”
- Breathability: Moisture evaporates through the lime joint rather than being trapped inside the brick.
- Flexibility: Lime accommodates the natural movement of London’s clay foundations without cracking.
3. Custom Color Matching
London masonry comes in a vast array of hues. We mix our mortars on-site using specific sands and natural pigments to ensure the new pointing matches the historical “patina” of your neighborhood, whether that’s the yellow stocks of East London or the deep reds of North London.
Decorative & Traditional Pointing Styles
We offer a range of finishes to suit the architectural era of your property:
- [Tuck Pointing]: The pinnacle of London restoration. We use a colored base mortar to match the brick, finished with a fine, white lime-putty ribbon. This creates a geometric, “perfect” look common in high-end Georgian and Victorian facades.
- Weather Struck Pointing: A structural finish where the mortar is angled to shed water instantly. This is highly effective for exposed elevations facing prevailing London winds.
- Flush or Recessed Pointing: Traditional finishes that highlight the natural character and texture of the brickwork.
The Dangers of Using the Wrong Contractor
In London, many “general builders” offer repointing, but they often use Portland Cement. This is the single greatest threat to your home’s longevity. Cement is waterproof and rigid; it traps moisture behind the brick face, causing it to freeze and shatter (spalling) during winter.
By choosing Pointing by Tony Wallace, you are hiring a specialist who understands BS 8221-2:2000 (the code of practice for cleaning and surface repair of buildings). We treat your home as a heritage asset, not just another construction site.
Frequently Asked Questions about Repointing in London
How much does repointing cost in London?
Pricing depends on the size of the elevation, the depth of the rake-out required, and the style of finish (e.g., Tuck Pointing is more labor-intensive than Weather Struck). We provide free, fixed-price quotes across all London boroughs.
How long will the work take?
A typical terraced house front usually takes between 5 and 10 working days. We manage all logistics, including scaffolding permits for London pavements and waste removal.
Can you work in Conservation Areas?
Yes. We have extensive experience working with English Heritage standards and local council conservation officers in boroughs like Westminster, Camden, and Richmond. We ensure our materials and styles are fully compliant with local heritage requirements.
Why Trust Pointing by Tony Wallace?
- 30+ Years Experience: We are the go-to specialists for London’s most prestigious masonry.
- Specialist Equipment: We use DOFF Steam Cleaning alongside our pointing services to reveal the true beauty of your brickwork.
- Family Run Business: Personal oversight from Tony Wallace on every project.
- Fixed Quotes: No hidden extras, no “estimates”—just transparent pricing.
Contact the London Repointing Experts Today
Is your masonry crumbling? Don’t wait for a small maintenance issue to become a major structural repair. Protecting your home starts with a professional survey.
- Phone: 07956 393381
- Email: info@pointingbytonywallace.co.uk
- Service Areas: Covering all 32 London Boroughs.