Brickwork & Pointing

Checking Your Brickwork & Pointing

Brickwork is an important part of your property's structure and weather protection. Before putting your home on the market, it is worth checking the condition of the bricks and the mortar joints (known as pointing) to identify any potential problems that could be raised by a surveyor or concern a buyer.

What Should You Look For?

Cracked or damaged bricks: Look for cracked, chipped or crumbling bricks, particularly around windows, doors and external corners.

Deteriorating pointing: Check for mortar that is loose, missing, cracked or crumbling. Damaged pointing can allow rainwater to enter the walls, potentially leading to damp and further deterioration.

Gaps in mortar joints: Pay particular attention to exposed areas where wind and rain can penetrate the brickwork.

Bulging or uneven brickwork: Walls that appear to bow, lean or move out of alignment may indicate a more serious structural issue.

Stepped or diagonal cracks: Cracks following the mortar joints, especially around windows and doors, may indicate movement and should be investigated if they are significant or worsening.

Signs of damp: Look for persistent damp patches, moss growth, damaged brick surfaces or white, powdery deposits known as efflorescence. These can indicate moisture problems, although the cause needs to be established.

Why Is It Important?

Sound brickwork and pointing help protect your home from the weather, maintain its appearance and preserve the building's condition. Defects left unattended can allow moisture to penetrate, cause further damage and potentially lead to more expensive repairs. Addressing straightforward maintenance issues before marketing your property can help it present better to buyers and reduce the likelihood of unexpected concerns during a survey.

Our Tip: Don't simply cover cracks or replace mortar without understanding the cause. If you notice significant cracking, bulging walls or signs of movement, seek advice from a suitably qualified building surveyor or structural engineer. Any repointing should use a mortar compatible with the existing brickwork, particularly on older properties. A careful check now could help you avoid unnecessary surprises later in the selling process.