Brickwork, repointing, chimney rebuilds and external masonry repair across Barnet and Hertfordshire — for period houses, post-war estates and everything in between.
Common Brickwork Jobs
Repointing. Repair of degraded mortar joints between bricks. Critical for Victorian and Edwardian houses where original lime mortar has eroded and modern cement repairs have failed. Typical cost £45–£80/m² depending on access and mortar specification (lime mortar is more expensive but appropriate for period properties).
Chimney rebuild. Full or partial rebuild of a chimney stack where weather damage, cracked render or failed pointing has rendered it unsafe. Often combined with reflashing where the chimney meets the roof. £1,500–£4,500 for a partial rebuild; £4,000–£9,000 for a full stack rebuild.
Brick replacement. Removing failed or damaged bricks and replacing with matched brick (matched is the hard part — period London stock brick or Hertfordshire reds are not interchangeable with modern equivalents). £200–£600 per affected area.
Garden walls and external brickwork. New garden walls, repair of failed retaining walls, brickwork repairs on extensions and outhouses.
When to Repoint
Repoint when: mortar is visibly recessed more than 5mm from the brick face; mortar crumbles between fingers when tested; rainwater penetration is appearing on internal walls; or efflorescence (white salt staining) is visible on the brickwork.
For period houses (pre-1920) always specify lime mortar repointing — cement-based pointing accelerates damage to soft Victorian bricks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does repointing take?
A small area of repointing (1–2m²) can be done in a day. Repointing a full elevation typically takes 5–10 days depending on access (scaffolding required for upper storeys).
Lime mortar or cement?
For any house built before 1920, lime mortar is the appropriate specification. Modern houses (post-1960) use cement-based mortar. Mixed periods need professional assessment.
Will my chimney pass a survey?
If the mortar is visibly degraded, the stack is leaning, or there's evidence of water ingress through the chimney breast internally — likely not. A repointing or rebuild restores survey-passable condition.
Do I need planning for chimney work?
Chimney repointing or like-for-like repair doesn't need planning. Substantial changes (height extension, removal) do, particularly in conservation areas.