Repairs: walls

Before embarking on repointing, check whether the work is really necessary.

• A small amount of powdery material on the surface of the joint is probably quite acceptable.
• If the joint can be raked fairly easily with a screwdriver or old chisel to, say, half its depth, then repointing is an issue.
• If a hammer and bolster or a TCT saw, or similar, is needed to rout out the joint, the mortar is probably sound enough and best left alone.

Repointing should be to a depth of at least twice the thickness of the joint, otherwise the new mortar will never obtain a satisfactory key within the joint. Up to half the depth of the brick is appropriate.

Solution

• Brush out the joint to remove debris.
• Wet the joint before applying new mortar (to control suction).
• Specify for mortar to be pushed into the joint; try to avoid voids.
• Ensure that suitably sized tools are used to prevent mortar buttering over the face of the brick and ruining the effect – a crime on older buildings especially.
• Broadly match the mortar types and colour; lime mortar with lime and so on.

Do not allow pointing during periods of heavy rain or frost.

Cost sequence - Lime render

1. Allow for hacking off existing wall surface: assumed elevation is 20m2, allowing for window and door penetrations. Take back to sound masonry surface with any loose mortar in brick joints keyed back.
2. Fix pre-formed stainless steel or plastic trims to window hoods, bell-cast to damp-proof course line and any arris beads to reveals of doors, windows and corners of building. First verify if there are to be any 'soft' finishes required consistent with historic buildings, in which case omit the arrises.
3. Wet down working area to control suction.
4. Allow for 3 coats, graded. First coat (strongest mix) not exceeding 16mm thick. Typically about 10mm but allow for dubbing to address any irregularities to all surfaces. Apply 2 finishing coats between 6mm and 10mm thick.
5. Allow 2 days' curing time to undercoats during periods of warm weather and 1 week during wet/inclement weather.
6. Allow for ventilated temporary coverings in polythene sheet or similar to all work, while curing.
7. Allow for spray wetting of wall surfaces to control suction between coats.
8. Allow for wood float finish to final coat and do not overwork.
9. Where carrying out patch repairs, allow for lime wash extra coats at joint between old and new work.
10. This pricing specification does not allow for any run mouldings.

Lime render - COST £950

Small works pricing

Since the original price estimating in 2008 the economic turmoil of the last few years has caused some disparities in pricing - if you are reviewing these figures in the London area they may look laughable - if you are located in Hull they might still look a bit expensive. Please treat them with caution and of course always consider obtaining more than one quote against which to test prices. Reference to the BCIS or a small works pricing book such as Spons or Laxton's will help assess costs and the hourly labour rates upon which they are based.