Brickwork and Masonry

1. Assessment of affected masonry.
2. Selective repointing and replacement units.
3. Repairs around openings and weathering details.

The written scope sets out the work areas, retained items and completion information. For an individual property, agree who can approve the work and whether making good, removal and final presentation are included.

Match mortar and replacement units to the existing construction. Widespread cracking or movement needs investigation before cosmetic repair. Build a clear room-by-room scope for the owner, occupier or managing agent, including the finish expected when the repair is complete.

Provide wall photographs, approximate age, previous repairs and any record of movement. Explain who occupies the property, how access will be arranged and any fixed dates such as a handover or reopening. Mark items and areas that must remain untouched.

The enquiry establishes the required outcome and available information. Assessment then confirms assessment of affected masonry and the practical limits of the instruction. The agreed method and scope define the sequence, protection and access arrangements before work begins.

At completion, check the agreed areas and explain any care instructions, remaining limitations or further work. Keep the repair or service record with the property information so future decisions do not start from scratch.

The main variables are joint depth, masonry type, access height, matching materials and the extent of unstable work. These determine the resources, work sequence and time needed; a photograph or broad area alone may not establish the full scope.

Agree what must be moved or protected, which spaces can remain in use and whether the work needs more than one visit. Include preparation and reinstatement when comparing proposals.

Offices may need phased room access; education premises require coordination around occupied areas; hospitality and industrial properties can have different finish, cleaning and operational requirements. These are examples of the planning questions, with the complete range in sectors.

Black & White Property Services covers North East England, including Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, County Durham and Tees Valley. Include the postcode and site-access details when enquiring, whether the property is in Newcastle, Gateshead, Durham, Middlesbrough or another listed area. Use the location directory to explore the full coverage.

Repointing renews joints. It does not correct a displaced wall, failed support or damaged brick faces. The cause and condition determine whether joints, units or a wider structural detail need attention.

Provide wall photographs, approximate age, previous repairs and any record of movement. Add the intended result and any fixed access dates. Existing reports help avoid assumptions about what has already been investigated or agreed.

Joint depth, masonry type, access height, matching materials and the extent of unstable work are the main starting points. An agreed scope should show which preparation, access and completion activities are included, so proposals can be compared on the same basis.

Keep a description of the completed scope, relevant photographs or service information and any follow-up advice. The record should distinguish the agreed result from additional work that has not been instructed.

Read building fabric planning guidance for the decisions behind the service. Repair versus replacement explains how to compare condition, cost and disruption where an asset or building element needs attention.

For the wider working context, see HSE construction guidance.

Return to Building Fabric for every service in this family. Related options include Building Envelope and Facade Repairs, Ceilings and Partitions, Cladding and Curtain Walling. Browse all services, maintenance, projects, sectors and locations for the wider requirement.

Contact Black & White Property Services with the property address, photographs, access arrangements and desired result. Include wall photographs, approximate age, previous repairs and any record of movement where available so the next step can be scoped around the actual property.