How Much to Repoint a House

Repointing a house involves renewing the external mortar joints between bricks or stone, which helps to maintain structural integrity and protect your home from water ingress and damp. Over time, mortar can weather and erode, especially in exposed areas, leading to cracks, gaps and moisture problems. Repointing is a highly skilled job that can significantly improve both the durability and appearance of a property.

The cost to repoint a house in the UK depends on several key factors, including the size of the property, the type of brickwork, the location and access, and whether the entire house or just one elevation is being repaired.

Average Cost to Repoint a House

As a general estimate, the average cost to repoint a full three-bedroom semi-detached house ranges between £3,000 and £6,500. For a terraced house, the cost may fall between £2,500 and £4,500, while a large detached home could exceed £7,000 depending on the scale of work.

On a square metre basis, repointing usually costs between £30 and £60 per square metre. This includes labour, scaffolding where required, and materials. If only one wall or elevation needs attention, such as the front or rear of the property, the cost may be significantly lower.

Factors That Influence the Cost

The type of mortar and finish chosen can influence the final price. Lime mortar, which is often required for older or listed buildings, takes longer to apply and costs more than modern cement mortar. Brick size and joint width also affect labour intensity, as smaller bricks and tight joints require more precision.

Access is another major factor. Properties requiring scaffolding or difficult access (such as tall buildings, chimneys or houses on sloping ground) will typically incur higher costs. If only low-level areas need repointing, the job may be completed using ladders or mobile towers, reducing setup expenses.

Location can also affect labour rates. Work carried out in London and the South East is usually more expensive than in other parts of the UK due to higher hourly rates.

How Long Does Repointing Take

A full house repointing job can take one to two weeks for a small or mid-sized home and up to three weeks or more for larger or more complex properties. The work is heavily weather dependent, and rain, frost or extreme cold may delay progress, as mortar requires dry conditions to cure properly.

When Does a House Need Repointing

Typical signs that your home may need repointing include crumbling or flaking mortar, visible gaps between bricks, damp patches inside walls or increased draughts. Repointing is generally needed every 50 to 100 years depending on the mortar type and exposure. In older properties or those in coastal or high-wind areas, the need may arise more frequently.

Can You Repoint in Sections

If budget is limited, it is possible to repoint your house in stages. Many homeowners choose to start with the most exposed wall or the area showing the worst signs of damage. This can spread the cost over time and reduce disruption, especially where scaffolding can be limited to one elevation.

Conclusion

The cost to repoint a house in the UK typically ranges from £2,500 to over £7,000 depending on the size, materials and complexity of the job. While it may seem like a significant expense, timely repointing is an essential maintenance task that protects your home from long-term structural and damp problems. Investing in skilled tradespeople and the correct mortar for your property type ensures a professional finish that can last for decades.