How not to repoint antique brickwork

[@coolhandxxx]

Do you work near Boston Lincolnshire , I have a 150 year old Hahah that needs some tlc.

[@michaeljamesdesign]

Sorry bruv. Mostly just Oxfordshire.

[@onanysundrymule3144]

Kind Sir, would you feel that a 1912 built house with hard glazed bricks (Old pressed Victorian I think they are defined as) in the North West would best be re pointed with a cement or a lime mix, and might an admix plasticiser fluid perhaps be deemed sufficient 'softening' of a cement based mix in lieu? Kind regards.

[@michaeljamesdesign]

Let me ask you a question: "Do you want porous or non-breathable joints?"

[@onanysundrymule3144]

@@michaeljamesdesign Well, I'm not completely sure, but it is a cavity wall, so an "impermeable" outer leaf might be deemed a benefit. May I posit that cement does dry, right through, so cement is at least perhaps semi permeable. What do you say Sir?

[@michaeljamesdesign]

@@onanysundrymule3144 Cement has no capillarity. That's why we use lime. If you'd like to know more then search for David Wiggins lime.

[@reconciliation8491]

What if they plaster over the cement pointed brickwork with the same cement, will the brick 🧱 deteriorate from within an outer coating of plaster protecting it from erosion? Obviously would not be historic.

[@michaeljamesdesign]

Cement behind or over stone or brick results in a damaging chemical reaction.

[@reconciliation8491]

thank you. good to know that

[@stevenmurray6359]

Are we still using nhl 3.5 on soft bricks. Is it not too strong. The word is hot lime now.

[@michaeljamesdesign]

We are indeed still using NHL on soft bricks. However, it's usually NHL2. And we do use hot-lime depending on the time of year - and also budget.

[@stevenmurray6359]

Didn't pick up you are using 2. I've been using hot lime mixes all year now. Internally since October obviously. So much nicer on the wrists and elbows I find. Love the videos mate.

[@michaeljamesdesign]

@@stevenmurray6359 I know people who use it all year. They rarely protect it at night. It really is amazing stuff.

[@mattlane4107]

St Astier?

[@radkosberkos271]

Hi Our garden is grade 2 listed wall built about 180 years ago, mortal is gone , falling out, we moved in 3 years ago and as I would like to put shed in, I need to get it fixed , we live in henley on thames, is this your area where you work please ?

[@michaeljamesdesign]

That'd be an expensive job for me to do so I'll have to say no. Get someone in your area.

[@radkosberkos271]

Hi, wall is 6 x 2 meters, any recommendations of who could do it pls?

[@michaeljamesdesign]

@@radkosberkos271 Try someone in Henley.