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Lime Pointing for London's Period Properties
GGeorgian Properties (1714-1830)
Georgian brickwork used soft lime mortars that allow moisture to evaporate through the joints. The pointing style varied from flush to slightly recessed.
VVictorian Properties (1837-1901)
Victorian pointing styles became more decorative - tuck pointing (thin white lime ribbon over coloured mortar) was fashionable for quality work. Standard pointing was usually flush or weatherstruck.
EEdwardian Properties (1901-1910)
Edwardian brickwork continues similar traditions. The mortar is often still lime-based but sometimes includes early Portland cement additions.
Do I Need Lime Pointing?
Look for these common signs that indicate you may need professional help:
- 1Mortar crumbling or falling out of joints
- 2Hard cement pointing cracking and separating from soft bricks
- 3Spalling (flaking) brick faces adjacent to cement repairs
- 4Damp patches on interior walls backing onto pointed areas
- 5Mortar significantly harder than the surrounding bricks
When to Call a Specialist
If previous pointing was done with cement on a lime-built property, it's causing hidden damage. Lime repointing by a specialist will help your walls breathe properly again.
Lime Pointing in London
London stock bricks are particularly soft and porous - cement pointing causes them to spall and deteriorate. Proper lime pointing is essential for the long-term health of London's brick buildings.