Find a Repointing Specialist near you
The average rating for Bark Repointing Specialists is 4.71, based on 504,693 reviews
5/5
based on 504,693 reviews
Is your property in need of repointing but you’re not sure how much it will cost? Read our handy guide to find out how much your builder will charge for their services.
Repointing is the process of removing old mortar in brickwork and refilling it with new mortar. Over time, mortar can disintegrate due to the weather or simply due to the age of the building. As well as looking unsightly, damaged or missing mortar can make your property more susceptible to moisture making its way into the building. If this happens, it can lead to a damp and cold home, plus potential damage to the foundations of the property.
Having repointing done will instantly refresh the look of your property while future-proofing it against various moisture-related conditions. Repointing must be carried out by a trained professional to ensure the new mortar is applied correctly and neatly. Repointing can be carried out on any building that is made from brick or stone, with period properties commonly in need of the service.
The cost of repointing starts at £750 for smaller jobs and up to £4,400 for substantial projects. The average cost is £2,500 nationally.
| Average cost | £2,500 |
| Minimum cost | £750 |
| Maximum cost | £4,400 |
When working out the cost of repointing, your contractor will factor in the size of the area they need to work with. Plus, the accessibility of the building, as scaffolding is usually required.
The cost will cover the raking out of the old mortar and the application of the new mortar, which includes the smoothing out process.
There are various smoothing out techniques the contractor can use which will affect the finish of the job, though certain methods can be more expensive if they take longer to complete.
The cost of repointing varies depending on several factors, including:
The job size
Condition of the masonry
Materials used
Scaffolding
Pointing style
Experience
Location
Repointing can be carried out on a wide range of job types, each requiring different amounts of time, labour and materials.
Cheaper jobs include repointing a patio, which can be carried out for as little as £10 for smaller patios. It’s ideal to repoint your patio before having it cleaned for the best results.
If you only require the front or side of your home repointing, then the cost will vary between £1,500 and £2,200.
| Type of job | Highest average price | Lowest average price |
| Patio | £50 | £10 |
| Chimney | £1,000 | £500 |
| Roof | £750 | £450 |
| Front or side of house | £2,200 | £1,500 |
| Victorian terraced house | £4,300 | £3,000 |
| Semi-detached house | £4,500 | £3,500 |
The most expensive repointing jobs are semi-detached or end of terrace properties. This is due to the increased surface area compared with a terraced home. The cost can be anywhere up to £4,500 and above, depending on the mortar used and style of repointing you opt for.
The damage to your mortar might be worse in some places, and non-existent in others. Where possible, get repointing done as soon as you notice an issue. Otherwise, if the problem is left to get particularly bad, it will cost more to remedy.
A lime-based mortar is recommended for older buildings though is more expensive. Concrete mortar is cheaper and is typically used in modern buildings. Several types of mortar can be used for repointing, so ask your contractor what the prices would be for each.
Scaffolding is almost always required for any repointing job since your builder will need to scale up high to complete the work. Though, the cost of the scaffolding will usually be included as part of the overall quote.
Pointing can be completed in a variety of finishes to match the style of the building. You may also have a preference based on your taste.
Styles of pointing include:
Flush pointing
Weathered pointing
Keyed pointing
V-groove pointing
Beaded pointing
Struck pointing
Recessed pointing
Tuckpointing
Some styles are more difficult to complete than others. If so, they will require more time, expertise and possibly labour and will cost more than simpler styles.
Anyone who undertakes repointing should be a qualified builder and registered with any relevant trade bodies. However, there is also a huge difference between someone who is newly qualified and a builder with decades of experience.
When it comes to repointing period properties, in particular, not all builders will have the experience to work with the quirks and demands of the building. So consider the experience of the professional carefully, instead of going on price alone.
With a typical grey mortar cost in mind, the average cost per m² is £56. The cheapest place for the same style is the North East, averaging at £46 per m².
The most expensive area is London at £64 per m². Costs across the South East will always be higher for any service, and building work is no exception. There are a lot of listed buildings in London and access may be more difficult, which will also affect the cost on top of higher than average living costs in the capital.
| Location | Average repointing cost (per m²) |
| Midlands | £56 |
| London | £64 |
| North East | £46 |
| North West | £50 |
| South West | £59 |
It’s possible to alter the cost by choosing a different mortar type, which can help you manage the cost of the project. Keep in mind, the mortar type will need to suit the style of the building, and there may be limitations in place for listed buildings. Ideally, the mortar should be similar to that of your neighbours too, especially for terraced properties.
For buildings that are made of brick, the mortar is quite literally the glue that holds the entire structure together. If you’ve noticed the mortar on your property has broken off or worn down, then it’s time to take action. By having repointing carried out, you will enhance the look of the property while protecting it from serious issues. When completed to a high standard, repointing can last up to 50 years making it a worthwhile investment into your property.
Find the best professional for the job on Bark today.
The average rating for Bark Repointing Specialists is 4.71, based on 504,693 reviews
5/5
based on 504,693 reviews
