Brickwork maintenance
Signs Your Brickwork Needs Repointing (Before Structural Damage Starts)
Brickwork rarely fails suddenly.
Most problems begin slowly as mortar joints weaken and weather over time. When the mortar holding bricks together begins to deteriorate, the wall becomes vulnerable to water penetration and structural movement.
Knowing the early signs your brickwork needs repointing can prevent far more expensive repairs later.
In this guide:
- How mortar deterioration begins
- The earliest signs repointing is needed
- When brickwork damage becomes serious
- How to inspect external brickwork safely
- When to arrange professional repointing
Why mortar joints deteriorate over time
Mortar is designed to be slightly softer than brick. This allows it to absorb movement and weathering without damaging the bricks themselves.
Over time, exposure to rain, frost and wind slowly breaks down the mortar surface.
In areas like Yorkshire where buildings face regular wet weather and temperature changes, mortar erosion is particularly common.
Eventually the joints lose strength and begin to crumble.
Sign 1: Mortar is crumbling or falling out
One of the clearest indicators that repointing is needed is loose or missing mortar between bricks.
This usually appears as small gaps in the joints or sandy material collecting at the base of the wall.
If mortar can be brushed out easily with a finger or screwdriver, the joint has likely deteriorated beyond its intended lifespan.
Left untreated, water will begin entering the brickwork.
Sign 2: Visible cracks in mortar joints
Cracks in mortar often appear before the mortar fully breaks down.
These cracks can form due to:
- Thermal expansion
- Building movement
- Long-term weather exposure
- Poor previous repairs
Small cracks may seem harmless but they allow moisture into the joint. During winter this moisture can freeze and expand, widening the damage.
Sign 3: Gaps forming between bricks
When mortar recedes significantly, bricks may appear slightly separated or uneven.
This does not mean the wall is collapsing, but it does mean the structural bonding of the brickwork has weakened.
Repointing restores the structural integrity of the wall by replacing the mortar that holds the bricks together.
More details about this process can be found here:
Sign 4: Damp appearing internally
Deteriorated mortar can allow rainwater to pass through the wall.
When this happens you may notice:
- Damp patches on internal walls
- Peeling paint or plaster
- Musty smells indoors
While damp can have many causes, failing mortar joints are a common source in older brick buildings.
Sign 5: Bricks starting to loosen
Mortar joints act as the bonding agent that holds the wall together.
When these joints deteriorate significantly, individual bricks may begin to feel loose.
This is a more advanced stage of deterioration and should be addressed quickly.
How to inspect your brickwork safely
You do not need specialist equipment to perform a basic inspection.
Walk around the property and check:
- Mortar joints between bricks
- Areas beneath windows and rooflines
- Exposed walls facing prevailing weather
Look for recessed joints, cracking mortar and areas where the joint surface appears powdery.
If multiple sections of wall show deterioration, repointing may soon be necessary.
When repointing becomes urgent
Repointing should not be delayed once mortar deterioration becomes widespread.
Severely eroded joints can allow water to penetrate the structure of the wall, increasing the risk of internal damp and brick damage.
A full cost guide explaining typical pricing can be found here:
Frequently asked questions
How long does brick mortar last?
Mortar typically lasts 30 to 50 years depending on weather exposure and building materials.
Is repointing expensive?
Repointing is far cheaper than rebuilding damaged brickwork and helps prevent structural issues.
Can I repoint small areas myself?
Small cosmetic repairs are possible, but large areas require proper preparation and matching mortar.
Does repointing strengthen a wall?
Yes. Replacing deteriorated mortar restores the structural bond between bricks.
Should repointing be done before winter?
Yes. Repairing mortar before heavy rain and freezing weather helps prevent further damage.
For the complete guide to identifying mortar failure — including the finger test, depth check, and what damp patches really mean — see our full brickwork repointing signs guide.
Concerned about your brickwork?
If you are noticing cracks, gaps or crumbling mortar, early repointing can prevent expensive repairs later.
