Water damage is one of the most common and costly types of damage that homeowners often face. Especially those built on traditional brickwork, water damage is unavoidable. Over time, the joints between the bricks generally begin to crack and crumble. They leave gaps between so that the water can seep in through them. This causes the water damage. This also weakens the structure and creates a conducive environment for mould and damp growth. It also makes the structure unstable.
However, with the repointing service, you can resolve these issues. Hire professionals for repointing in Bristol to prevent any long-term problems.
What is repointing?
Repointing is the process of renewing the external mortar joints in a traditional brick construction. It involves removing the damaged mortar and replacing it with strong, fresh mortar, which helps restore the wall’s aesthetics and structural integrity. This might seem like an external cosmetic treatment at first; however, repointing is a structural work that is done to prevent water infiltration and prevent long-term damage.
What is the link between mortar and water damage?
Mortar is a type of adhesive that binds the brickwork and stonework of a structure together. It begins to fail and become damaged when water penetrates inside the walls through cracks and gaps. If your structure is exposed to damp and rainy conditions for an extended period, water ingress will pose a significant threat, potentially damaging the mortar’s condition.
A damaged mortgage will lead to problems like:
Dampened walls
When water continuously seeps through the weakened joints, it creates damp patches in the walls and contributes to dampness indoors.
Structural damage
When water infiltrates inside the walls, it weakens the bond between the bricks and compromises the structural stability of the walls. This will lead to a risk of the walls crumbling down.
Mould growth
Persistent moisture creates a perfect breeding ground for mould and mildew, and when water seeps inside, it fosters mould growth.
Frost damage
In the winter, when the water gets trapped inside the cracks, it eventually freezes and expands and causing crumbling of the walls.
How does repointing help in protecting against wall damage?
Keeps moisture away
During the repointing service, fresh mortar is applied to fill the gaps and cracks within the walls. This creates a solid barrier which prevents water from penetrating inside the wall’s surface.
Restores breathability
When high-quality mortar is applied during repointing, it allows the moisture from inside the walls to evaporate from the gaps and cracks. This helps balance the moisture, ensuring the walls remain dry and strong from the inside.
Prevents dampness in walls
Repointing helps prevent water from entering at the source. It helps protect the interior plaster, paintwork, and timberwork of the structure. Moreover, dampened walls can be expensive to repair.
Repointing is a long-term investment. Contact Epic Stone Masonry Southwest Ltd, we provide expert repointing services to restore and protect your property. If you are looking for longevity and aesthetic appeal, stone repointing may be the perfect solution for your structures.