SGT Repointing Solutions

Lime Mortar Repointing

Specialist lime mortar repointing throughout Kent & Sussex for period, heritage and traditionally built properties.

Breathable, sympathetic repointing for traditional masonry

At SGT Repointing Solutions, we carry out specialist lime mortar repointing throughout Kent and Sussex, helping to preserve, protect and restore brick, flint and stonework on period, heritage and traditionally built properties.

The overall appearance, character and long-term performance of any brick or stone wall depends not only on the masonry itself, but equally on the type of mortar used and the style of joint finish. The colour, texture, depth and profile of the mortar joint all play a major role in how a building looks and how well it performs over time.

We offer a full range of traditional and specialist lime mortar repointing finishes, including flush pointing, penny roll and ribbon pointing, carefully selected to suit the age, construction and visual character of each property.

Traditional Materials
Lime Mortar Specialists

Suitable for period cottages, listed buildings, historic garden walls, flint elevations and traditional brickwork.

Why Lime Mortar Matters

Many older properties were originally built using materials that were designed to work together as a breathable system. Traditional brick, stone and lime mortar allow a building to absorb moisture, release moisture naturally, accommodate slight movement and, to a degree, self-heal over time.

Lime mortar is flexible and breathable, making it the correct and sympathetic choice for older masonry. Rather than forcing the wall to behave like a rigid sealed structure, lime mortar allows moisture vapour to escape through the joints, helping the wall dry out naturally.

Because lime mortar is generally softer than the surrounding brick or stone, it acts as the sacrificial element within the wall, meaning the mortar takes the weathering rather than the masonry units themselves.

Benefits of Lime Mortar

Correct lime repointing helps traditional walls perform as they were intended.

Breathable

Allows moisture to evaporate naturally through the joints rather than becoming trapped in the wall.

Flexible

Better able to accommodate slight movement in older buildings without forcing unnecessary stress into the masonry.

Protective

Acts as a sacrificial mortar, weathering before the surrounding brick, flint or stone becomes damaged.

Sympathetic

More appropriate for period and heritage buildings where compatibility and authenticity matter.

Visually Appropriate

Can be matched in colour, texture and finish to suit the age and character of the property.

Long-Term Preservation

Supports the health and longevity of traditional masonry by allowing the wall to function correctly.

The Problems with Cement-Based Mortar

Many older buildings have been repointed in the past using hard cement-based mortars that are unsuitable for traditional construction.

While cement mortar may initially appear strong and durable, it is often too hard, too dense and too inflexible for historic brick and stonework. When cement mortar is used in place of lime, it can prevent moisture from escaping through the joints.

Instead of evaporating harmlessly through the mortar, moisture is driven into the face of the brick or stone, where it can become trapped.

Common Problems Caused by Cement Pointing

  • Trapped moisture within the wall structure
  • Accelerated decay of brick and stone faces
  • Blown or spalled masonry caused by frost action
  • Cracking due to the rigidity of the mortar
  • Loss of historic character and inappropriate visual appearance
  • Increased long-term repair costs as masonry begins to fail
In many cases, the cement mortar remains intact while the surrounding masonry deteriorates around it. This is the opposite of how a traditional wall should perform.

Our Approach to Lime Mortar Repointing

01

Assessment

Every project begins with careful consideration of the existing building materials, the age and style of the property, site exposure and the condition of the masonry.

02

Mortar Selection

We aim to use lime mortar that is appropriate to the structure, both technically and visually, matching colour, texture and finish as closely as possible.

03

Careful Preparation

Defective or inappropriate mortar can be carefully removed by hand or by suitably controlled methods to avoid damage to the arrises of the brick or stone.

04

Application & Curing

Joints are properly prepared before the new lime mortar is applied and finished in the chosen style, with suitable curing and protection provided as part of the process.

Specialist Joint Finishes

The finish of the pointing has a significant impact on both the look and performance of the wall.

  • Flush Pointing – a traditional and understated finish suited to historic brick and stone walls.
  • Penny Roll Pointing – a decorative traditional profile that enhances the character and shadow lines of period masonry.
  • Ribbon Pointing – a more formal and defined finish, often associated with certain historic styles and elevations.

Suitable for Period and Heritage Properties

  • Period homes and cottages
  • Listed and heritage properties
  • Traditional brick and flint buildings
  • Stone walls and boundary walls
  • Historic garden walls and outbuildings
  • Older properties previously damaged by cement pointing

If your property was built using traditional materials, lime mortar is very often the most appropriate repointing solution.

Why Choose SGT Repointing Solutions

SGT Repointing Solutions provides a specialist service built around traditional materials, careful workmanship and an understanding of how older buildings should function.

We assess each project individually and recommend a repointing approach that is sympathetic, durable and appropriate to the building, whether the aim is to restore weathered brickwork, rectify damage caused by previous cement repairs or preserve the integrity of a period property for the future.

Contact Us About Lime Mortar Repointing

Get in Touch

If you are looking for experienced specialists in lime mortar repointing in Kent or Sussex, SGT Repointing Solutions can help. We are happy to discuss your property, the condition of the existing mortar and the most suitable repointing approach for your brick, flint or stonework.

Contact us today to arrange a consultation or to find out more about our traditional lime mortar repointing services.