Brick and Stone Pointing & Repointing

Pointing is the technical term used by masons and those in the construction industry to describe the bonding material that joins the bricks and stonework together. As a building becomes older and older, it can present brickwork issues that become apparent through the visible crumbling of lime mortar of cement, cracks, and the general deterioration of the mortar joints. Repointing is necessary for this exact situation and should be carried out by a specialist. Here at Masterpoint our experienced specialist team can remove defective and damaged mortar from between the brick/stonework using specialist tools and dust extraction units to keep debris to a minimum.

Cleaning and filling

The property will then be power washed to clean the brick/stonework and remove any fine dust from the joint ready for a perfect bond, the joints will then be neatly filled in. This will add to the overall structural integrity and appearance of any property and will also help insulate and weatherproof your home against freeze and thaw.

Wall Crack Stitching

What is crack stitching?

Crack stitching, as the name implies, is the masonry repair of cracks that appear in walls. It is an effective means of repairing wall deterioration in the form of cracks that can occur due to a variety of different factors and is a common problem for many property owners. While a widespread problem, the solution of structural cracks is a very successful and permanent one due to crack stitching.

How to repair structural cracks?

Crack stitching involves the retrofitting of crack stitching bars which are then grouted using resin across the cracks in the wall as a means to reconnect them and bring the masonry back to full health. Firstly, a deep chase is created in the mortar as required to make a gap in the bed joint. Secondly the deep chase is cleaned to remove any debris within the area in question. A bead of resin is then injected into the chase for a high-grade stainless steel bar to be placed in the joint. The bars are firmly pressed into the resin and a second bead of resin applied on top. Once all these steps have been successfully conducted, the crack is then concealed using mortar to maintain the previous style of the building.

Window and Door Lintel Repairs & Replacement

A common structural problem that can affect your property is lintel failure. Lintels sit above most windows and doors, these lintels can be either brick, concrete or steel. If you notice a crack above your windows and doors, chances are you will need these replaced. Lintels are installed into your property horizontally, over windows and doors primarily to support the existing structure above. Steel lintels fail due to corrosion, as many old properties did not use galvanized steel. As the corroded lintel expands and warps cracking will form diagonally from the top corners of an opening which causes masonry to lift and bulge. The existing brickwork will need to be supported using appropriate prop supports and the failed lintel removed. A new galvanized lintel will then be installed with a cavity tray and weep vents to allow water and moisture to drain away from the cavity preventing it from transferring to the inner leaf and causing damp. Then the masonry above can be built back to complete the process.