When looking at your roof or the exterior of your property, it’s easy to assume that the condition of the mortar joints—also known as pointing—is simply an aesthetic issue. However, repointing plays a much more critical role than most homeowners realise. At Kirkby in Ashfield Roofing Repairs, we regularly carry out repointing for customers across Kirkby in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, ensuring their homes stay weatherproof, structurally sound, and safe for years to come.
If you’re wondering whether repointing is worth the investment, here’s what it’s really protecting.
What Is Repointing?
Repointing involves removing deteriorated mortar from between bricks, tiles, or masonry joints and replacing it with fresh mortar. It’s a common maintenance task on chimneys, ridge tiles, gable ends, and other exposed areas of a roof or wall.
Over time, mortar can break down due to:
- Constant exposure to rain, frost, and UV rays
- Movement or settling in the structure
- Ageing of original materials
- Poor workmanship or low-quality mixes
When mortar begins to crumble or fall out, moisture can find its way into the structure—leading to much more serious damage beneath the surface.
What Repointing Is Actually Protecting
1. Structural Integrity of the Roof and Walls
The mortar in brickwork and around roof tiles isn’t just for appearance—it helps hold everything in place. When pointing deteriorates:
- Bricks or tiles can become loose or shift
- Ridge tiles may detach during strong winds
- Chimney stacks can become unstable
- Water can enter and weaken the underlying structure
Timely repointing prevents these risks and maintains the strength of your home’s external envelope.
2. Protection Against Water Ingress
When gaps appear in the mortar, they act as entry points for rainwater. Once water enters:
- It can lead to damp patches in lofts or upper walls
- Freeze-thaw cycles may widen cracks and worsen the damage
- Timber beams, insulation, and internal plaster can be affected
Repointing acts as a watertight seal, protecting your home from internal moisture problems.
3. Energy Efficiency and Draught Prevention
Cracks in mortar joints can let cold air in and warm air out, especially in older properties. This results in:
- Increased heating costs
- Reduced comfort indoors
- Potential issues with condensation
A well-pointed roofline and wall structure can significantly improve your property’s energy efficiency.
4. Pest Prevention
Gaps in pointing are attractive entry points for insects, birds, and rodents—particularly in chimney stacks and rooflines. These unwanted guests can cause further damage and become difficult to remove.
Professional repointing ensures a tight seal that helps keep your home pest-free.
5. Preservation of Original Materials
Mortar protects the brick or stone it surrounds. When mortar erodes, the bricks themselves start to bear the brunt of weather exposure. This can lead to:
- Spalling (flaking or breaking of the surface)
- Discolouration and surface degradation
- Costly repairs or replacements
Keeping the mortar in good condition helps preserve the original materials and appearance of your home.
How Repointing Should Be Carried Out
At Kirkby in Ashfield Roofing Repairs, we follow best practices for all repointing work in Kirkby in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire:
- Assessment – We evaluate the extent of mortar damage and identify priority areas.
- Careful removal – Old mortar is raked out to the correct depth using non-damaging tools.
- Mortar matching – We use high-quality mortar that matches your existing brickwork and is suited to local weather conditions.
- Precision application – Fresh mortar is applied neatly and compacted into joints for a solid, lasting bond.
- Clean-up and finish – The work area is left tidy with clean brick faces and no excess mortar left behind.
When Should You Consider Repointing?
Look out for these signs:
- Visible gaps or cracks between bricks or ridge tiles
- Loose or missing mortar in roof joints or chimney stacks
- Damp patches in the loft or top-floor ceilings
- Moss growth or water stains on exterior walls
- Mortar that crumbles easily when touched
If any of these issues sound familiar, it’s best to arrange a professional inspection before the damage progresses further.
Why Choose Kirkby in Ashfield Roofing Repairs?
We offer professional, reliable repointing services tailored to your property’s specific needs in Kirkby in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire. Our team is experienced in:
- Ridge tile repointing
- Chimney stack repointing
- Gable end repointing
- General brickwork mortar replacement
- Roofline sealing for weather resistance
We provide honest assessments and only recommend work that’s truly necessary—ensuring long-term value and protection for your home.
Conclusion
Repointing isn’t just a cosmetic improvement—it’s an essential form of protection for your roof, walls, and the structure of your home. From preventing leaks and draughts to maintaining structural stability and energy efficiency, the benefits are far-reaching. If your property in Kirkby in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire is showing signs of mortar wear, contact Kirkby in Ashfield Roofing Repairs for expert advice and a professional repointing service that stands the test of time.
Call us on: 01623 700 893
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