Month: April 2020

Repointing Brickwork: Your How-to Guide

Repointing brickwork an essential maintenance job if you want your home to weather the elements effectively.

Whether your house is constructed from brick or stone, mortar can make up as much as 15% of its overall surface area — so it isn’t hard to see what a huge impact repointing brickwork can have not only on the stability and performance of your home, but also on its final appearance.

The wrong mortar mix, inappropriate materials, a poor colour choice, or a bad application – will spoil even the best brickwork. This is huge shame as, when done well, repointing brickwork is a job that can really enhance a home, despite its seeming insignificance.

If you are still not convinced that you need to repoint then bear in mind that mortar is a primary defence against water ingress and as such is a critical aspect of a home maintenance schedule.

Repointing brickwork should be high on the priority list when renovating a house. Missing or damaged mortar is a common source of leaks and a cause of damp in homes in need of wider renovation.

Although many renovators carry our DIY repointing, given the requirement for working at heights it can be a job that is best outsourced to a professional.

See more DIY tutorials

All About Repointing Brickwork

What is mortar?

Mortar is the substance that separates individual masonry units (such as bricks or stone blocks) from one another. It protects the building from water ingress and is also used to fill any irregularities on the bedding faces of the bricks or blocks (the bedding is the mortar used to bind the bricks to one another.)

Mortar can be made up of a variety of different materials. It is softer than bricks and stone so at some point in the life of a building, it will start to deteriorate— and this is the way things are supposed to happen.

If the mortar was harder than the bricks, the bricks themselves would take the brunt of weathering, causing them to erode and fail — and replacing brickwork is far more expensive and disruptive than repointing brickwork.

Put simply, repointing brickwork is renewing the outer portion of the mortar joint, and a good repointing job on your home should last up to 50 or 60 years.

What does repointing cost?

If you can easily see open joints around the mortar bed, then it is time to think about repointing.

Repointing is a straightforward job and the materials required are not expensive — but the cost of the labour involved in brickwork repointing can be quite high.

It can also be hard to find a builder willing to take on small repointing jobs, which is why many people choose to carry out repointing on a DIY basis. Don’t forget though that DIY repointing will usually require scaffolding hire.

According to priceyourjob.co.uk, you should budget around £20-£30/m² for brickwork repointing, with their estimate for a three bedroom semi-detached house coming in at around £3,000 once scaffold hire, materials and labour are factored in.

Which mortar is best for repointing?

A large range of textures and colours can be achieved when mixing mortar. Most houses built up to and including the Victorian era used lime mortar and if your home falls into this category then this is most certainly the mix you should use.

The use of cement in repointing mixes does tend to be a bad thing in old houses (although it is still frequently done) causing decay to occur earlier than with lime mixes and damp more likely to raise its head. Cement mortars are harder, more brittle and less porous than lime and will weather slower than the bricks themselves.

Mortars containing cement tend to be more susceptible to salt and sulphate attack, while mortars containing only lime (putty or hydraulic) and sand are not vulnerable to this kind of damage.

Lime mortars are more expensive than cement — but in the long run they can actually save money as putting right problems caused by inappropriate cement mixes can be costly.

Repointing: Step-by-Step Guide

Tools and Materials Needed:

  • Chisel
  • Cement mixer
  • Pointing trowel
  • Mortar board
  • Scaffolding
  • Soft brush
  • Wire brush
  • Lime
  • Sand
  • White cement

1. Repointing brickwork is clearly high priority on this wall. Not only is there a mixture of materials, but the profile of the pointing ranges from semi-recessed to plastered-on-top — not good. As with many renovation projects, plants have been growing up against the walls — these should be pinned back and then tethered into place before any work can start on the building. Repointing brickwork is a messy job so plastic sheets should be laid over flower beds, new paving and areas of grass.

2. The old pointing is removed with a hammer and chisel, with particular care taken near the areas shown in the following four steps. Disturbing old mortar around windows can affect the way they fit (and open). The chisel is used on its own to chip out only the loose material.

3. Take care around doorways — if mortar gets pushed into the gap between the wall and the frame it can cause the door frame to move and make the door hard to open and close. Loose mortar is raked out gently with a narrow chisel. Metal gutter brackets are prone to falling out if they are disturbed during the chopping-out phase. Power cables for external lighting is often run inside the pointing so take care. It was easy to spot on this job because the joint was a different colour in the course leading up to the lamp.

4. This is what is left after the old mortar has been removed. The edge of the stone is revealed all round and there is now a gap wide enough to take (and hold) the fresh mortar which will soon be applied to the wall.

5. Plenty of dust is left in the gaps between stones afterwards. This is brushed out before repointing begins.

6. To keep the colour of the mortar consistent for the whole job, the mix is carefully measured out. In this case, three buckets of yellow building sand, one bucket of lime and a quarter bucket of white cement. Each full bucket is levelled off at the top while the quarter-full bucket of white cement is measured off to a line drawn inside the bucket.

7. Repointing is generally done from the top of the wall downwards. However, the first half metre of a solid wall without a damp-proof course (as here) holds a lot of moisture so this section is done first — giving it more time to dry. The mortar is pushed in firmly, working from right to left.

8. Once two or three courses have been repointed, the vertical joins between are filled too. Notice that the mortar is allowed to overlap all the joints and no attempt is made at this point to neaten it up. With the bottom half metre of the wall complete, the top section is started. Within five hours, a team of two complete this stage on this 24m2 wall. The mortar is left until nearly dry. How long the drying process takes depends on the weather and the position of the house in relation to the sun. In this case, the mortar is ready in just a couple of hours.

9. A wire brush is used to take off the excess mortar and leave a face joint that is only just recessed from the face of the wall. In other areas of the country, a deeper joint or one that is flush with the wall may be more appropriate. The wire brush also cleans up the stonework as it moves over the surface.

10. A close-up of the finished job. With the face joints now clearly defining the stones, the wall not only looks great, it is ready to withstand years of weathering.

Top Tips for Repointing Brickwork:

  • Using a narrow chisel around windows and doors minimises the risk of pushing loose pieces further in around the frames
  • The use of an angle grinder should really be avoided — it is easy to slip and damage the face of the brickwork or stone and is unnecessary with most traditional lime-based mortars
  • When you have a space large enough to take the new mortar, stop raking out and brush the joints down. Then give the joints a spray with water — this helps the new mortar dry out evenly. Wait for the water to dry off before repointing
  • Aim to replicate the colour, texture and durability of the existing mortar. Carefully measure each component of your mortar and make a note of the quantities used to ensure each bucket load matches the last
  • Begin from the top down (in order to keep any dust and water spray away from freshly repointed joints)
  • A slightly open final texture tends to look more attractive than a very smooth one. An easy way to achieve this is to gently rub the filled joint with a stick or rubber, and then to softly brush it over before it dries
  • To avoid the new mortar drying out too quickly, spray the joints lightly with water from time to time

This post first appeared on https://www.homebuilding.co.uk

Home Renovation in 7 Steps

  

You’ve been dreaming about remodeling your house. Perhaps it’s finally getting that kitchen renovation of your dreams or updating a bathroom or two. Where do you start? Whether you’re looking for some simple upgrades, a major home renovation or addition, or building a brand-new home,

Integral Construction Management Inc. is a full-service renovation company in Edmonton. If you’re thinking about embarking on a home remodel, read this typical process for home renovations.

1. Initial Consultation

A team member from ICM will meet with you to discuss your plans. This is when you get to tell them about your dreams and what you want to achieve with your project. It’s also an opportunity to learn more about the kind of work they do. After this meeting, they will guide you through the process.

2. Design and Plan Your Project

The key to a successful home renovation or major construction job is a well-laid plan. Working with professional designers, their team can help you create a design plan for your home that will include all your must-haves and perhaps a few elements you hadn’t thought of before too. From the major components like the layout of your home to all the finishes, everything will be included in the plan. Read more about planning and designing a home renovation.

If you’ve already worked with an interior designer and have a plan, you can move on to the next step.

3. Reviewing the Scope of Work

Once you have a plan, you’ll have a good idea of what exactly will be required to complete the home renovation. The pre-construction step in the process will include the details pertaining to trades, suppliers, consultants and obtaining any required building permits. This step might take some time as all the information is gathered. They might have to deal with things like building code, engineering and other factors that can influence the project. Once the information is gathered, your project is in the queue and a detailed estimate and contract will be created.

4. Project Estimate

So, how much is this going to cost? Now that you have a complete design and architectural plans, you will get an accurate estimate. This estimate will include all the items associated with your project. Always get a detailed estimate from any contractor you hire so there are no surprises.

5. Signing the Contract & Planning the Project

Contractor.With the design and estimate complete, all the groundwork is in place to ensure the project gets started on the right foot. The contract includes all the details of your home renovation including trades, materials, project schedule and anything else that might be included in your renovation. Reputable general contractors will have all of this in writing for you and will be there to answer your questions and keep you informed on what is happening with your project every step of the way.

6. Project Management & Construction

One of the greatest advantages of hiring ICM is the project management aspect. Having a knowledgeable, skilled and experienced project manager to take care of all the details, big and small, will ensure the project runs smoothly, on budget and achieves great results. No matter what stage your project is at, they will ensure you are kept in the loop the entire time.

7. Post Construction

Just because the job is done, doesn’t mean you no longer benefit from hiring a professional general contractor. They will stand behind their workmanship and offer warranties. They will always be a phone call away if you have any questions or concerns, even after your warranty expires. Good companies believe in building long term relationships with their customers, even after the project is complete.

General Contractors in Edmonton

ICM’s commitment is to complete your construction project as if it were our own. As your general contractor, they treat each project as a reflection of who they are.  Your satisfaction is very important to them and they hold themselves and everyone involved in your project to the highest standards. Let them help you with your renovations or new construction project today!

Contact Integral Construction Management Inc. today!

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RenovationFind Certified is a symbol of integrity held by only the most trustworthy companies in home improvement, service, maintenance.  It increases consumer confidence in your business, giving you an edge over your competition while validating you as the best.
More than an online directory, we are Western Canada’s fastest growing marketing platform for promoting and connecting the best trades, service, and home improvement companies to homeowners.

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

Renovations a handyman service can help with

Hiring an experienced professional to help with home projects and renovations has many benefits. You’ll save yourself time, headache and can ensure the work will be done right and on budget. Attempting to DIY home renovations can be disastrous if you don’t have a lot of experience.

If you have a list of things you want done at home, here are just a few home renovations that a handyman can help with, from Intellisight Handymen Ltd. in Calgary.

In the bathroom:

Bathroom renovations can improve both the look and function of one of the most-used rooms in the house. Whether it be fixing the plumbing and fixtures, caulking, shower repairs, or a complete bathroom remodel, Intellisight Handymen will be able to help you. They can make suggestions for design, finishing, fixtures, and even energy efficiency. You’re going to love your new bathroom!

In the kitchen:

The kitchen is the heart of the home, which is why kitchen renovations are so popular and valuable. Similar to a bathroom renovation, it’s not really something you want to attempt DIY. Hire a professional to assist with plumbing, cabinet installation, tile installation, and even painting. Because Intellisight Handymen Ltd. has experience in all facets of home repair and renovation, they can assist you with everything that needs to get done. Whether you’re doing a major remodel or just a few minor upgrades, a handyman service that offers renovations can turn your vision for your kitchen into reality.

In the garage:

A garage may be a forgotten space in a home. It can act as a dumping ground for tools or other belongings that have no place in the home. A handyman can help you find ways to organize and store your belongings with custom shelving, or other storage solutions. They can also help with the look of the garage if exterior renovations is a service they offer. Take advantage of that extra space and use it for a workshop, man cave, and/or storage.

Outside the home:

Your home’s exterior can be an extension of your living space. Exterior renovations can include things like siding and windows, but can also include landscaping and outdoor living spaces. Think about finally building your dream outdoor kitchen, custom deck or fireplace area. Not only will they enhance your home life, outdoor upgrades will boost curb appeal and increase your home’s resale value. A handyman service will be able to help you plan and get the project done.

Handyman Services in Calgary

Intellisight Handymen Ltd. is a general contracting and handyman business specializing in kitchen and bathroom renovations. In addition, they also do complete home renovations, maintenance, repair, storage solutions, and home improvement service to both residential and commercial clients. They have a fully equipped workshop and expertise that provide custom woodworking services including outdoor kitchens, entertainment areas, and custom-built decks.

For more information, check out Intellisight Handymen Ltd. today!

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RenovationFind Certified is a symbol of integrity held by only the most trustworthy companies in home improvement, service, maintenance.  It increases consumer confidence in your business, giving you an edge over your competition while validating you like the best.
More than an online directory, we are Western Canada’s fastest-growing marketing platform for promoting and connecting the best trades, service, and home improvement companies to homeowners.

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

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