Repointing Victorian brickwork: are they using the right mortar?

sxturbo · 27 Jan 2021

To be fair, they are the experts and they should know what they are doing and telling you what mix should be being used.

Their mix may be approved by architects, but that means nothing as there are many different specs of buildings.

They are wrong they can't call a cement lime mortar, lime mortar, they must call it cement lime.

Hydraulic lime mortar is very different and requires the correct type of sand, it's also more expensive.

There is plenty of evidence online as to why hydraulic lime should be used.

Try and find a surveyor who specialises in old buildings

chriseastlondon · 27 Jan 2021

Thanks. That's good advice. I'll try to find someone who specialises in old buildings.

stuart45 · 27 Jan 2021

You can get advice from a lime supplier such as this company Limebase - Lime Plaster, Putty, Mortar, Limewash & More

chriseastlondon · 27 Jan 2021

Thanks. Yes, I actually spoke to them a couple of days ago after someone else put that link in this thread. They agreed it's not accurate to describe a mortar containing cement and lime as 'lime mortar'.

stuart45 · 27 Jan 2021

I use Limebase quite a lot, as it's only a few miles from me.
20 years ago, a 1/2/9 OPC/Lime/Sand mix was considered OK for period properties. It was thought of as a lime mix with a bit of cement added.

lucius · 7 Feb 2021

Unfortunately you have used a general builder rather than a Lime and Brick restoration company, you have a lot off damaged bricks which need the attention of a skilled person to replace or reinstate with the correct material, some of it looks like it may have been blasted atone time ?

StephenStephen · 7 Feb 2021

..just an amateur here, but wanted to throw in a couple of things I've learnt along the way:

1 The builders are mistaken - You can't call mortar with cement in it 'lime mortar'
2 Lots of people are confused about this, including builders!

chriseastlondon · 12 Feb 2021

Can anyone give me a steer as to the right mix for repointing the front of my house, which is soft red brick?

I've been told it should be 3 parts sharp sand to 1 part lime (either lime putty or NHL 2). Does that sound right?

Thanks.

mattylad · 12 Feb 2021

Is it just me, in the picture of the back is the wall on the left edge bowing outwards?
Or is that just an effect of the camera lens?

sxturbo · 12 Feb 2021

chriseastlondon said:
Can anyone give me a steer as to the right mix for repointing the front of my house, which is soft red brick?

I've been told it should be 3 parts sharp sand to 1 part lime (either lime putty or NHL 2). Does that sound right?

Thanks.

Have you spoken to these guys?

https://www.lime-mortars.co.uk/lime-mortar

Nige F · 13 Feb 2021

mattylad said:
Is it just me, in the picture of the back is the wall on the left edge bowing outwards?
Or is that just an effect of the camera lens?

fish eye lens

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Repointing Victorian brickwork: are they using the right mortar?

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