Brick repointing may not be the most glamorous part of ongoing building maintenance, but in a city like London, it’s essential. Over time, the mortar between the bricks can start to erode, crack, or crumble, exposing your building to dampness, drafts, and structural wear.
But how much does repointing bricks cost in London? The answer depends on several factors, from the scale of the job to the materials needed.
In this blog, we will break down everything you need to know about the cost of brick repointing in London. Helping you make an informed decision and avoid any costly surprises when budgeting for property maintenance.
What Is Brick Repointing?
Brick repointing is the process of renewing the external part of mortar joints in brickwork. Long-term exposure to rain, frost and pollution can cause a building’s original mortar to erode or crumble, leaving gaps that allow moisture to seep in.
Repointing will help to restore not only the appearance but also the integrity of your brickwork by carefully removing any damaged mortar and replacing it with a fresh, weather-resistant mix.
It is a key part of maintaining older or heritage buildings, but even newer properties may require repointing if poor-quality mortar was installed originally or if damage has occurred. If done properly, repointing will protect your building from dampness, improve insulation, and help extend the lifespan of your building’s facade.
Average Brick Repointing Cost in London
Whether you’re managing a commercial building or a residential home, understanding the costs of repointing is essential for long-term maintenance. In London, prices will vary based on the size of the property, accessibility, and materials required. We’ve created this estimated pricing guide to give you an idea of what you can expect to pay:
Repointing Job | Estimated Cost |
Small area / localised patch | £300 – £500 |
Full wall (semi-detached or small unit) | £1,000 – £2,500 |
Full facade or property (commercial or terraced) | £3,000 – £6,000+ |
Chimney or rooftop feature | £500 – £1,200 |
Lime mortar repointing | +20 – 30% over standard rate |
These costs are rough estimates. For a more accurate price, we recommend you contact us for a tailored quote based on your property’s specific requirements.
Whether you’re managing a commercial building or a residential home, understanding the costs of repointing is essential for long-term maintenance. In London, prices will vary based on the size of the property, accessibility, and materials required. We’ve created this estimated pricing guide to give you an idea of what you can expect to pay:
Repointing Job | Estimated Cost | Notes |
Small area / localised patch | £300 – £500 | For isolated sections. Ideal for quick maintenance |
Full wall (semi-detached or small unit) | £1,000 – £2,500 | Depends on wall height, condition, and ease of access |
Full facade or property (commercial or terraced) | £3,000 – £6,000+ | Includes scaffolding, full rake-out, and surface renewal |
Chimney or rooftop feature | £500 – £1,200 | Extra height and safety measures are often required |
Lime mortar repointing | +20 – 30% over standard rate | Needed for listed or heritage buildings and requires heritage expertise |
These costs are rough estimates. For a more accurate price, we recommend you contact us for a tailored quote based on your property’s specific requirements.
What Affects Brick Repointing Costs?
Several factors can impact the cost of brick repointing in London. Here’s what typically influences the price the most:
1. Size and Scale of the Job
Minor patch repairs are quicker and, therefore, cost less. While full repointing across an entire building facade will take much more time and labour, costing more. The larger the surface area or the deeper the mortar joints, the more the price of the overall quote will increase.
2. Height and Access
Repointing at the ground level is much simpler and more straightforward. Jobs on upper floors, chimneys, or over shopfronts will more than likely require scaffolding, mobile towers, or rope access. The easier your building is to access, the lower the quote will be.
3. Mortar Type
For newer buildings, using a cement-based mortar is much more common. For older or listed properties, lime mortar repointing is required, which is a slower, more specialist process with more expensive materials and higher labour costs.
4. Brick Condition
If your building’s bricks are crumbling or damaged, they will need to be replaced before any repointing work can begin. Adding to the overall complexity and materials needed for the job.
5. Location in London
Central London postcodes can affect pricing due to congestion, parking restrictions, and limited building access. Heritage or high-traffic commercial areas may also come with extra planning or compliance requirements, adding to the overall cost.
Types of Brick
Repointing Services
A building’s repointing needs vary depending on property type, age, and exposure to the elements. At All Clean London, we offer a wide range of brick repointing services for commercial and residential buildings across the city. Here are the most common repointing services:
- Standard Brick Repointing: Ideal for most modern buildings where mortar has eroded over time. This will improve the structural strength of the building and prevent water ingress.
- Lime Mortar Repointing: Essential for older or heritage buildings where breathability matters. Lime mortar will protect historic brickwork without trapping moisture.
- Chimney Repointing: Focused repairs at height to prevent leaks and frost damage, especially where weathering is more severe.
- Tuckpointing: A precise, decorative method used to create the appearance of a cleaner joint. It is most common on commercial frontages and listed homes.
- Weatherproofing Enhancements: Optional sealants or breathable coatings that extend the lifespan of repointing in exposed environments.
Each method is chosen based on your individual building’s needs. This will ensure long-term performance and compliance with local regulations.
Why Brick Repointing Is So Common in London
London is full of heritage buildings, many of which are over a century old. Mortar will naturally break down within the brickwork of these buildings over time, and in London, this is made worse by air pollution, cold temperatures, and persistent dampness.
Without regular repointing, older buildings will suffer from moisture ingress, crumbling joints, and visible ageing. Affecting both the property value and curb appeal.
In conservation areas, repointing may even be a planning requirement to preserve a building’s historic character.
Whether it’s a commercial block in Westminster or a terraced house in Hackney, brick repointing in London is more than just maintenance; it’s essential to care for the city’s heritage.
When to Call a Professional
Not sure if it’s time to call in a professional? Here are the key signs that your brickwork may need repointing by a specialist:
Signs to Look Out For:
- Cracked, crumbling, or missing mortar between bricks
- Water damage or damp patches inside of your building
- Loose or moving bricks, especially around the corners of your building
- Moss, algae, or small plants growing inside the joints
- Repointing that is needed at height, like on chimneys or upper floors
Why It’s Best to Hire a Specialist:
- Safety first: working at height or on older buildings will require the proper equipment and safety checks
- Accurate mortar matching: essential for listed or historic buildings
- Proper joint preparation: poor raking can damage the surrounding bricks
If you notice any of these signs, speaking with an experienced repointing professional in London is best.
Get a Brick Repointing Quote in London
Every building is different, which is why the cost of brick repointing can vary. A proper inspection is key to getting an accurate price.
At All Clean London, we offer free, no-obligation site assessments to provide a clear and accurate quote. Whether you manage a commercial property, maintain a historic building, or need a few urgent repairs, our team is equipped with the tools and expertise to help.
We’ve worked across London for over 40 years, delivering reliable brick repointing services using both traditional lime mortar and modern techniques.
Need advice? Contact our team today for a brick repointing quote in London, and we’ll guide you through the next steps.
