Repointing - DIY or PRO - SE London

All,

Need to get my brickwork repointed. All that is showing (house mostly rendered) is around 2 metres from ground up.

Is this something I can attempt on my own and if so what do I need to do this effectively.

Or should I get in a pro and if so where should I look for someone competent?

cheers
Eggers

Have a go yourself, its not that difficult if you go for a bucket handle finish. BUT if its an old house and the bricks were laid in lime try to avoid cement based mortars, google 'lime mortar' plenty of suppiers.

We used to be taught 3:1 sand and cement, I think thats a little over the top, a proper batched 5:1:1/2 building sand, cement, lime, with the walls totally soaked, would be right for your basic pointing.

You could, if the joints are fairly well recessed, use a more gritty sand which will give a harder/stronger pointing, B and Q's do a plastering sand and other merchants do a similar thing. I've mixed sharp sand with plastering sand to get a strong mix but it can be difficult to use.

Hope that helps a bit, more info on the type of wall would be good.

first off all you need to cut out the beds and perp joints with a mini grinder and plugging chisel to a depth of 15mm.then brush with a soft broom handle.spray the joins with a water spray.so the mix does not go on to a dusty surface.and point with 4 or 5 sand to 1 cement to 1 lime .from simon the bricky/builder

I wouldn't try a grinder on the perps. Unless you've got a VERY firm grip.
With the best will in the world, there's always a bit a damage.

I use a two handle raker (or at least that's what I call it).
Bought it years ago but never seen one since. Anyone know who sells them 'cause mine's gonna break soon - I just know it