mortar pointing FAQ PERTH
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Mortar pointing is replacing damaged of defective mortar between bricks
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Theres no real difference between mortar pointing and repointing ,both are processes of replacing mortar between bricks.
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Fretting mortar is usually caused by a combination of age, weather exposure and moisture. Over time, rain, wind, heat and changing temperatures can gradually weaken the mortar joints between the bricks.
Other common causes include poor-quality or incorrectly mixed mortar, prolonged water exposure from leaking gutters or reticulation, salt attack, and using a mortar that is too soft or unsuitable for the particular bricks.
Once mortar begins to fret, it can become powdery, crumbly or start falling out of the joints. If left untreated, the deterioration can continue deeper into the wall and leave the brickwork more exposed to moisture.
At Bricks Fix WA, we assess why the mortar is deteriorating before repointing it, so the repair addresses the underlying problem rather than simply covering it up.
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Your mortar may need repointing if it's crumbling, powdery, cracked, missing from the joints, or easily scraped away. You might also see gaps between bricks or areas where the mortar has worn back. Bricks Fix WA can assess the mortar and confirm if repointing is needed
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What happens if you don’t repoint damaged mortar? If damaged mortar is left untreated, it can keep crumbling and falling out, letting moisture deeper into the brickwork. Over time, this can lead to loose bricks, further deterioration, and more extensive repairs. Repointing damaged mortar early helps protect your brickwork and prevent the problem from getting more serious.
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Properly done repointing with the right mortar for the bricks can last decades. Lifespan depends on exposure, moisture, and workmanship. Using the correct mix and prep is key to longevity.
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Yes. Mortar can usually be colour matched by adjusting sand, cement or lime and considering the age and weathering. At Bricks Fix WA, we aim to blend repairs so they look natural.
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Description text goes herewhat’s the difference between repointing and tuckpointing. Repointing is repairing and replacing mortar, plain and simple. Tuckpointing adds a fine line for a decorative finish.
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It depends on access, height, and extent of damage. Best to give Bricks Fix WA a call and we can assess and quote properly.
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It depends on the age and type of the brick. Older or heritage brickwork often needs lime so the walls can bre
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Typically, it's a mix of age, weather, and salts. In Perth, the sea air and sprinklers speed things up, plus water getting in behind.
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Small areas can sometimes be done yourself, but matching the mortar mix, strength, colour, and finish is tricky. Done wrong, it can trap moisture, damage the bricks, and even hurt your home's value—potentially knocking thousands off the sale price."
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Not always. If the mortar failure is limited to a small area, only those sections may need repointing. However, if the mortar is crumbling, fretting, or falling out across much of the wall, it's usually better to repoint the whole affected area for a consistent finish and to help prevent further deterioration.
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Yes, if bricks are badly fretted or damaged, it's smart to replace them during repointing, so that everything is uniform and solid.
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Older Perth homes were often built with softer, breathable mortar, so matching that is important. Using a mortar that's too hard or too cement-heavy can actually damage older bricks. The right mortar depends on the age, condition, and original construction.
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Go with someone who really knows bricklaying and mortar, and understands mortar mixes and different aged brickwork. Bricks Fix WA is owner-operated by a fully qualified Australian bricklayer with over 40 years' experience, specialising in mortar pointing, repointing, and brick repairs across Perth. Bricks Fix WA also has hundreds of happy customers across Perth, with a strong reputation built on quality workmanship and customer service.m description
