Crumbling Mortar Between Bricks
The mortar between bricks is cracking, crumbling, or falling out, leaving gaps in the brickwork.
What Is Causing This?
- 1Weathering and frost damage over many decades
- 2Original mortar mix too weak or too hard for the bricks
- 3Water penetration accelerating erosion
How Urgent Is This?
This should be fixed in the coming weeks. Leaving it may allow the problem to worsen and cost more to repair.
What Needs to Be Done
A builder will rake out the old mortar and repoint the joints with fresh mortar matched to the original colour and strength. This is usually done by hand section by section.
How Much Will It Cost?
National average estimate
Labour: £3,325 – £8,250 | Materials: £2,300 – £6,700
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Ask a QuestionPlanning Permission Guidance
Some fixes for this problem may require planning permission or building regulations approval. Check if your project needs permission:
Generally permitted under Part 1, Class A of the GPDO. Standard permitted development allows a maximum projection of 3m ...
Garage ConversionGenerally permitted as an internal alteration that does not enlarge the building. Replacing the garage door with a windo...
Basement ConversionInternal works to convert an existing basement or cellar are generally permitted as internal alterations. However, excav...
How to Prevent This
Repoint small areas as soon as you notice gaps rather than waiting. Ensure gutters direct water away from walls. Use lime mortar on older properties.
Related Problems
A visible crack running through the outside wall of your property, which may be widening over time.
Damp patches appearing on inside walls, particularly after rain, often with a musty smell.
Mortar joints that are cracking, falling out, or crumbling away, leaving the brickwork exposed.
The face of bricks flaking or breaking away in layers, leaving a rough, pitted surface.
Other Builder Problems
A visible crack running through the outside wall of your property, which may be widening over time.
An exterior or interior wall that bulges or leans outward, visible when looking along its length.
Diagonal cracks appearing around windows and doors, doors sticking, and visible sinking on one side of the building.
Damp patches appearing on inside walls, particularly after rain, often with a musty smell.