Lime mortar repointing

Lime mortar repointing for period properties

If you’ve got an older house and someone’s told you it needs repointing — this is the page for you. I’ll explain what lime mortar is, why it matters, and what to expect when I come and look at your property.

Lime mortar repointing on Victorian brickwork, Wimbledon

This is the question I get asked most often. The short answer is: cement mortar is too hard for old brickwork. It doesn’t move with the building, it doesn’t breathe, and over time it forces moisture into the bricks themselves rather than letting it escape through the joints. I’ve seen properties where cement repointing from 20 years ago has caused more damage than the original problem ever would have.

Lime mortar is what these buildings were built with, and it’s what they need to stay in good condition. It’s softer than the brick, flexible, and breathable. When it eventually deteriorates — which it will, but slowly — it’s the mortar that fails, not the brick. That’s exactly how it should work.

I’ve been doing this for over 35 years, mostly on Victorian and Edwardian houses across London. Every property gets assessed individually before I write a quote — I won’t just turn up and start mixing. If your house is in a conservation area or listed, I know what’s required and I work to the right specification.

  • Lime mortar lets moisture escape — cement traps it and damages the brick
  • Matched to your original brickwork in colour, texture and joint profile
  • Right for Victorian, Edwardian, Georgian and listed buildings
  • Free visit and written quote before any work starts — no obligation
  • Fully insured — I’ve been doing this since 1989

“Chris at London Brickwork Repointing repointed the front of my house in N16. Three reasons why I’d use him again: he is highly experienced and skilled, he’s careful, helpful and trustworthy, and he gets the job done at a fair price. Rare to get all three these days!”

— Norman Foster, Stoke Newington

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

It means carefully raking out the old mortar from between the bricks — usually to a depth of about 20mm — and filling it with new lime mortar. The key is getting the right mix for your specific brickwork. Too hard and you damage the bricks. Too soft and it won't last.
A standard Victorian terrace front elevation usually starts from £4,000. That includes all labour, materials and scaffolding if needed. I'll always give you a clear written quote before anything starts — no surprises.
It is cheaper upfront. But I've spent years fixing the damage that cement repointing causes to old houses. Cracked bricks, persistent damp, spalling — all of it avoidable. On a pre-1920s property, lime mortar isn't just better — it's the only thing that won't cause long-term problems.
Yes, regularly. I understand what conservation officers and Historic England require and I work to the right NHL lime specification throughout. If you're not sure whether you need consent, I can advise when I come and look.

Areas we cover

We carry out lime mortar repointing across London and the surrounding Home Counties. Select your area for local information.

Islington Hackney Barnet Enfield Camden Haringey Harringay Waltham Forest Walthamstow Redbridge Westminster Kensington Chelsea Fulham Richmond Wimbledon Greenwich Tottenham Kingston Croydon Newham Ealing Essex Hertfordshire Surrey Kent Stoke Newington Tower Hamlets Merton Brentwood Romford Dalston Lambeth Wandsworth Southwark Lewisham Brent Hammersmith

Ready to restore your property?

Free quote — no obligation. Get in touch today.

07838 747 606
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