re-pointing... prep tips please.

[siriusb]

The whole back wall of my house needs re-pointing and in order to keep costs down I would like to do as much of the prep work as I can...

... so how do I do that? Do I just scratch out the old mortar? If so to what depth? I have a drainpipe on the wall , can I scratch out behind this or is it better to take it off then put it back up?

When I get builders round are there particular things I should ask about when I am getting a quote from them?

 

[sandwell]

I would not attempt to do this job yourself. Apart from the neatness of the finish you must use the correct mix for the mortar. Unless the job is done by a skilled bricklayer, it could devalue the house in my opinion.

 

[siriusb]

I won't be doing the mortar bit only the prep - the removal of old mortar... that's what i am after tips on.

 

[carryoncamping]

A couple of houses on my street have just been repointed by professional companies.

First one used what looked like a wall chaser connected to a vacuum cleaner to collect the dust and did everything off a ladder.

The other used a bog std 4" angle grinder and created considerable dust. Used a mobile platform.

PPE Mask and goggles a must obviously.

Be careful not to damage the brickwork when grinding. Try practicing on a part of the wall that won't be noticed.

Have a look at this website for tips:
http://www.diydoctor.org.uk/projects/Pointingbrickwork.htm