Have you noticed fine orange or sandy dust at the base of your brick walls? Or maybe the mortar between your bricks is cracking, falling out, or even turning to powder? If so, you’re not alone. This is a common problem in many Perth homes — particularly those built between the late 1980s and mid-1990s.

At Bricks Fix WA, we’re often called out to inspect and repair fretting bricks, a common issue in homes and buildings across Perth and WA. But what exactly causes this problem, and can it be fixed without replacing your entire wall? Let’s take a closer look.

Bricks Fix WA specialises in limestone repair, mortar repointing and heritage brickwork restoration across Perth, Fremantle, and Western Australia. In this guide, we explain why lime mortar is essential for historic and coastal buildings, when to use it, and how to choose the right type for the job.