Repointing brickwork: why it’s usually best left to the professionals

If you’ve noticed gaps or crumbling mortar in your walls, you might be wondering whether repointing brickwork is something you can take on yourself.

On paper it looks simple: scrape out the old mortar, pack in some new, and job done.

In reality, it’s messy, time-consuming, and far harder than most people expect. That’s why hiring a professional is usually the smarter choice.

Why you shouldn’t ignore failing mortar

The mortar between your bricks isn’t just cosmetic. It keeps water out, helps your walls stay strong, and protects your home from damp.

When it starts to break down, you’ll often see cracks or gaps that let in wind and rain. If you ignore the problem, it can cause bigger issues like penetrating damp, damaged plaster indoors, or even weakened brickwork.

Repointing puts things right. But you need to be sure the job’s done properly.

The true cost of doing it yourself

At first glance, you might think repointing brickwork is a great way to save money. Mortar mix is cheap and basic hand tools don’t cost much either. But if you need to tackle an entire house, the real expense comes from scaffolding.

For a two-storey property, you’ll likely need a scaffold set up, which can cost around £1,000 per week in the UK. That’s before you factor in protective gear, tool hire, and the days or weeks of hard labour you’ll have to put in.

By comparison, a professional will usually charge around £2,500 to £3,000 to repoint a three-bedroom semi-detached house, and that price already includes scaffolding, materials, and labour.

When you weigh it up, you’re not saving as much as you might think.

Why experience makes all the difference

Repointing isn’t just about filling in gaps. It’s about getting the details right. A good tradesperson will:

• Use the right mortar: If your home was built before the 1930s, it probably needs lime mortar rather than modern cement. Get this wrong and you could trap moisture in your walls.
• Match the colour properly: Ever seen a patch of new mortar that sticks out like a sore thumb? That happens when the mix doesn’t match. Professionals test and adjust until they get it right.
• Keep the finish consistent: Mortar can be flush, weathered, raked, or struck. Each one changes how your wall looks and how water runs off. Keeping this neat across an entire property is a skill in itself.

These details are what make the difference between a tidy job that lasts decades and a botched patch that devalues your home.

The safety risks you take on

If you decide to tackle repointing brickwork yourself, you’ll be handling grinders, chisels, or hammers, often while standing on scaffolding or ladders. That combination of height, power tools, and flying mortar dust isn’t a great one if you don’t have training or experience.

A professional knows how to work safely, has the right insurance in place, and gets the job done without putting you at risk.

When DIY might make sense

If you’ve only got a small patch of loose mortar at ground level, you might be able to repair it yourself with a simple pointing trowel. But once you’re looking at full walls, chimneys, or anywhere above head height, it’s not worth the gamble.

The bottom line

Repointing brickwork is essential if you want to keep your home weatherproof and looking its best. But for most homeowners, it’s not a job to take on alone. Between the scaffolding costs, the risks of working at height, and the skill needed to match the mortar properly, hiring a professional is usually the most cost-effective and stress-free option.

You’ll save yourself a lot of time, avoid costly mistakes, and end up with brickwork that looks neat and will last for years.

Frequently asked questions

Which trade does repointing brickwork?
Most repointing work is carried out by bricklayers or general builders. Roofers often handle chimney repointing, and in some areas there are specialist repointing contractors.

How do you know if your house needs repointing?
Look for cracks, gaps, or crumbling mortar between the bricks. If you can scrape mortar out with your finger or see water tracking through the joints, it’s time for repointing.

How long does repointing last?
A quality repointing job should last 20–30 years or more, depending on the exposure of your property and the materials used.

Can you repoint just part of a wall?
Yes, but you should be careful to match the mortar colour and finish. Poorly matched patches can be very noticeable.

Featured image by Pixabay via Pexels.