Here at S.J. Top Quality Brick Pointing & Restoration, we are able to provide our customers with a wide selection of different brickwork restoration services throughout London.
By S.J. POINTER
Thanks to the fact that we have the necessary equipment, skills and experience, we can carry out a complete brick restoration project. From the process of paint removal, brick cleaning, replacement of eroded and damaged bricks, through stone and brick repointing to certified Storm Dry protection against weather conditions service.
We provide complete brickwork restoration service, so you can be sure that all stages of the project will be performed by one experienced team, which is not without significance for the quality of the work.
The process of renewing the pointing, which is the external part of mortar joints in masonry construction. For brick pointing restoration process, we use a lime mortar, which was originally used for building old structures.
“Portland cement has proven to be incompatible with lime mortar because it is harder, less flexible, and impermeable. These qualities lead to premature deterioration of soft, historic bricks so the traditionally, low temperature fired, lime mortars are recommended for use with existing mortar of a similar type or reconstruction of buildings using historically correct methods.”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lime_mortar#Uses
Here at S.J. Pointer, we opt for the environmentally friendly brick cleaning solutions. With the appearance of buildings suffering from modern-day pollutants such as harsh weather, traffic pollution, general neglect, moss and algae, your home or business can look old or dirty. For brick cleaning, we use a soft sodablasting solution, as this can be completed through wet or dry cleaning.
“Sodablasting is a non-destructive method for many applications in cleaning, paint and varnish stripping, automotive restoration, industrial equipment maintenance, rust removal, graffiti removal, molecular steel passivation against rust, oil removal by saponification and translocation, masonry cleaning and restoration, soot remediation, boat hull cleaning and for food processing facilities and equipment and tooth cleaning at the dental laboratory.”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodablasting
For removing paint from bricks, we use a non-chemical, eco-friendly, brick and stone cleaning technology, the DOFF’ superheated water system’. It uses a high temperature of the steam to remove the paint. Most importantly, the pressure is low, so it’s safe for the surface.
The most effective way to renew the appearance of the facade is to paint it. While this solution brings benefits in the form of free choice of colour, low cost of implementation, easy and quick application, it should never be used directly on bricks. Eventually, this leads to bricks erosion. It is due to the fact that exterior paints must be resistant to weather conditions. The exterior paint creates an airtight layer. It would seem that painting bricks will create a protective barrier and will have a beneficial effect on bricks durability. Nothing could be more wrong. Bricks are a “breathable” material that reacts to prevailing conditions. They absorb moisture during rain, but also quickly get rid of it in natural processes. Painted bricks are deprived of breathing. The moisture accumulated in them causes their erosion.
“The steam/superheated water will remove paint, moss, algae, fungi and other biological matter and will also kill off spores. This means there’s then no need to use a chemical biocide during the removal process or as a protection against further biological activity.”
https://www.stonehealth.com/doff-integra/
Damaged or missing bricks can be replaced with matching in shape and colour new ones. Some companies repair a surface of the damaged brick, but it is merely masking of the damage. We use special tools to remove the indicated brick safely. Next, we replace removed brick with a new one.
Brick arches give character to the brickwork. Over time, as a result of the material stress, they can be damaged. Dropped brick arch is caused by insufficient mortar between bricks and gravity forces. Dropped and damaged brick arches should be professionally repaired. Otherwise, it can put people’s health and safety at risk.
We can carefully remove pebble dash to expose the beauty of your original brickwork. Removing a pebble dash allows you to reveal the beauty of the brickwork and get the authentic look of the property.
Over time, the driveway and patio surface is covered by dirt caused by weather conditions, algae growth and other factors affecting the appearance. Our cleaning service will transform your property to its former glory.
The use of cleaning techniques allows not only to restore the original appearance of the property but also to secure it for many years.
For over 20 years we specialise in brickwork restoration in London.
We are always happy to answer any queries you have. Don’t hesitate to contact us.