Hello, so I've got an early 20th century (I believe ~1916) end terrace house located in Barrow-in-Furness. The property is built with fairly typical red brick, with a cavity wall. I've been getting penetrating damp in a few places and I'm pretty sure it's down to ageing pointing. I can provide photos but let's just say there are chunks missing here and there, and it's just a mess. Regardless of whether this is indeed the main cause of the damp it really needs doing.
Anyway long story short, I am going to repoint it myself since I can't afford to get someone in to do it (I mean I could get a loan but let's just say my job situation is a bit uncertain due to current events).
What's really throwing me off though is the ratio for the mortar. A mate has suggested 5:1:1 of builder's sand, lime and cement. My own research has thrown up just how much disagreement there is on this, with some people saying you should be using lime mortar with no cement at all for a building of this age and construction, and other people agreeing with what my mate has suggested.
The practical part of it all, mixing the mortar and doing the job, I'm absolutely fine with; I just don't want to mess it up with the wrong materials before I've even started. Thank you very much for any advice!
Anyway long story short, I am going to repoint it myself since I can't afford to get someone in to do it (I mean I could get a loan but let's just say my job situation is a bit uncertain due to current events).
What's really throwing me off though is the ratio for the mortar. A mate has suggested 5:1:1 of builder's sand, lime and cement. My own research has thrown up just how much disagreement there is on this, with some people saying you should be using lime mortar with no cement at all for a building of this age and construction, and other people agreeing with what my mate has suggested.
The practical part of it all, mixing the mortar and doing the job, I'm absolutely fine with; I just don't want to mess it up with the wrong materials before I've even started. Thank you very much for any advice!