How Much Repointing Do I Need?
Quick Answer
Measure wall area in m². Rate: 3–5 m²/day per bricklayer.
Based on: standard brick bond, raking out and repointing. Mortar use: ~5–8 kg/m².
How to Estimate Repointing
- Measure the wall area in square metres (height × width)
- Deduct openings (windows, doors)
- You may only need to repoint specific areas (weather-exposed faces, chimney stacks) rather than entire elevations
Mortar Quantities
- Standard stretcher bond: ~5–8 kg dry mortar mix per m²
- Flemish/English bond: ~8–12 kg per m² (more joints)
- Mortar mix: 1:5 or 1:6 cement:sand for modern brickwork. Use lime mortar (1:3 NHL:sand) for pre-1919 buildings
Labour Rates
- Raking out: 2–4 m²/day (by hand or angle grinder)
- Repointing: 3–5 m²/day for a skilled bricklayer
- Cost: £30–60/m² (supply and labour, 2026)
When to Repoint
Repointing is needed when mortar joints are crumbling, recessed by more than 5mm, or allowing water ingress. Look for damp patches on internal walls, efflorescence (white salt deposits), or frost-damaged mortar.
Important: Lime vs Cement
For period properties (pre-1919), always use lime mortar. Cement mortar is too hard and can trap moisture, causing brick spalling and damp issues. Consult a conservation specialist for listed buildings.
Last updated: April 2026. Costs and rates are UK averages — actual figures vary by region, access difficulty, and mortar type.