old Chimney destroyed by cement rebuilt and pointed in a lime mortar before and after

[@atroutflycrazy8057]

Love your videos Glen 👍 Its crazy seeing cement over lime. As i explained this to a client once you dont wear a waterproof coat over a breathable coat. I would rather see lime pointing over cement if you have no choice rather than cement over lime.

[@alasdairmunro1953]

Great job on the chimney. Owned a house where the interleave brickwork between flues was wobbling, about 5’ of it. Served with fire & rescue and in the early years spent a lot of time near chimneys - you can guess why. I remember one with 3 flues where the top 5 - 6’ was wobbling in a single block, as we tried to quell the fire!

[@joedavies3009]

Cheers pal , I’ve learnt valuable info

[@Southpoint2019]

Jeez that’s some serious precision with that pick

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

Cheers mate it's difficult looking through my phone at the same time

[@Southpoint2019]

@@GMTpointingspecialistsltd I get the same problems I’m uploading a wall tie video as we speak

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@@Southpoint2019 I will keep an eye out for it

[@mikebryan544]

Great video Glen, i touched up pointing on my chimney about 5 years ago with cement so im going to redo with lime. Also bricking up gable from hip roof and using 3.5 for that. So good point about sharp sand only thanks

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

A clean washed sharp or grit sand And a good quality nhl 3.5 like lafarge or Saint astier

[@rachelbailey-no2pp]

​@@GMTpointingspecialistsltdWhere are you based?

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@@rachelbailey-no2pp I'm in buckley North wales Where are you from

[@rachelbailey-no2pp]

@@GMTpointingspecialistsltd Sheffield

[@amyntas97jones29]

Great video. I'm just about to start work on my stone chimney. I need to take out the cement pointing and replace it with lime.

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

What lime are you going to use And what made you choose it

[@amyntas97jones29]

@@GMTpointingspecialistsltd My chimney is not used anymore. It's built of very soft sandstone. The cement mortar is being pushed out by the underlying lime. In replacing the cement mortar, I have used nhl 2 for the house, but am thinking of using nhl 3.5 for the chimney.

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@@amyntas97jones29 NHL 3.5 is good enough for sandstone chimneys as long as it's not getting battered by the weather Knocking it back and compacting gives it it's strength Just keep it covered and damp as long as you can

[@Alfster18]

Glen, you're awesome. So great at explaining stuff with such a calming voice. You are very talented. Could I ask when you would advise using non-hydraulic (fat lime). I called up Ty-Mawr and explained previous owners cement pointed some of the brickwork causing some spalling they said go with fat lime as it will be the best at aiding the walls to dry out?

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

It all depends on the bricks how soft they are What the weather is like in your area If your property is protected from high winds and driving rain

[@kernjam18]

I'm building part of a gabble end to my house matching the old field stone farmers style wall. Hydrated lime and cement mix. What would you recommend the mix ratio for the build and then the pointing after? Much appreciated

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

You can use a 1:1:5 or 6 mix Or a 2 hydrated lime 1 cement 9 sand

[@hunslet009]

Hi, I have a 1930s property that's built with lime mortar in West Sussex. The chimney requires work as there is damp getting in via the stack. Contractors have quoted to use cement / lime mix. Is this a viable alternative to proper lime mortar or is it likely to be as breathable as standard cement mortar?

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

Depends if its a high wind heavy rain area It's cheaper It can be done quicker But depends if bricks will take the pressure Get a couple of quotes or ask them to use a lafarge nhl 3.5

[@hunslet009]

Hi, I am 1 mile from the seafront (Littlehampton) so yes I would say reasonable wind / rain. There has been no blowing of bricks where cement mortar has been used as a touch up. I did ask them if they would use NHL mortar but they quoted for cement/lime. Another contractor I have been to quoted for cement mortar only and brushed off suggestion of doing it in lime@@GMTpointingspecialistsltd

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@hunslet009 yeah if no one will use nhl The next best thing is a 1 1 5 mix It's flexible and it's weaker than just the typical 4 to 1 brickies use

[@MrTrashcan1]

We have a house built in 1955 and portland cement was used in the stone chimney which has never been repointed. An chimney guy with 40 years experience told us it should be repointed with portland cement. Is he correct or should it be lime mortar?

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

I would need to see pictures of it if you wattsapp me some Depends where abouts you live sand cement and hydrated lime may have been used not just straight cement and sand

[@anishe9741]

Hi Glen, thank you for the video. I have a 1930s house in Yorkshire and I think it is built with engineers brick. I received a quote which would use cement and sand, I went back to them and they said they mix a bit of lime in too. I'm going to go back and ask if they can just do 1:3 mix of lime to sharp sand. I saw there are so many different types of lime so want to basically make sure the wrong type (if that is possible) isnt used. Do you have any advice about this please? Where I live gets windy and it can get very wet here majority of year. Thank you!

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@anishe9741 a good quality nhl3.5 Lafarge Saint astier Otterbein Are good quality if they won't use lime just keep looking till you find someone who will Google lime pointers near me To find local lime pointers Hope that helps

[@anishe9741]

@GMTpointingspecialistsltd thank you! I didn't see a notification for your response. I spoke to them and asked about their mix, they said they will use equal amount of lime and cement, and plastaciser with a PVA bond. I asked if they use sharp sand and they said they use mison(?) sand which is a combination of building sand and sharp sand. I have to go and do more reading and research to understand this now. If anything sounds really wrong here, I would appreciate any input! 🙏

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@anishe9741 no that's not a mix I'd recommend I dont use pva outside The hydrated lime is powdered plastasiser you don't add it twice

[@adumanter]

Interesting video, you said it's a shame about the pots they used. What would you say is wrong with them?

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

I thought they would of put older reclaimed ones on

[@calcalcal1]

Very useful video. Dont suppose you would happen to know anyone in the yorkshire area who could do some lime pointing on a 1930s house? Cheers

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

No sorry just google lime pointing near me And just do your research to see who's the better company If you send me some pictures I can give you a rough idea of what you should be paying and advice on how to do it if you like

[@calcalcal1]

@@GMTpointingspecialistsltd much appreciated I'll send over some photos later in the week. Many thanks

[@paulhanger7242]

Hi Glen what sand would you recommend to use with lime please?

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

A washed sharp or grit sand depending on the size of the gaps The colour of the sand dictates what colour the pointing will dry Don't use building sand If you look through my videos I've done one on the colour of sands

[@paulhanger7242]

OK Glen thank you

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@paulhanger7242 no worries any time If you find my videos interesting please like them thanks

[@paulhanger7242]

@@GMTpointingspecialistsltd yes I certainly will they are excellent.

[@onanysundrymule3144]

Would you hessian wrap the chimney for a week or two, and regularly dampen to prevent premature dry out of the mortar Sir, and might one use NHL5 in these more elevated and exposed structures? Kind regards.

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

Yes I would if its easier put damp hessian on then dry hessian over the top off the damp hessian to stop the hessian drying out to quick

[@Pavlo_S.V.]

Hello thank you for your videos, they are helping a lot. Wanted to ask how is it possible to understand if the house was build using lime mortar or poor cement mix as both when they cure have light yellowish colour? The house is not that old, around 1960-1970.

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

That kind of time period they were using a lime cement type of mix normally a building sand Traditional lime is more gritty you can see small stones Has white chalk bits Maybe charcoal If you wattsapp me or fb a picture I might be able to tell

[@mogsybriggs5930]

what is the correct sand to use for lime.

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

Sharp grit or if you are using a soft sand make sure it's washed as in clean

[@potnoodle3419]

Looking a top job

[@MarcGray1990]

I’ve got a 1930s semi and the bay window area down to the floor is brickwork over pointed in sand cement which looks grey in colour. All cracking out but behind is a softer dustier mortar of a totally different red\pink colour. My question is is it likely to be a lime mortar or a sand/cement hydrated lime mix? Or should I be going with something like a NHL 3.5 above the damp course and maybe a NHL 5 below damp. Which down to the floor level is about 5 course high and around 4 feet high above damp to underside of window cill. Thanks. Marc

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

Hi use a nhl 3.5 lafarge or Saint astier no need for nhl5 1930s if its soft dusty more likely lime just put white vinegar on it it will fizz You can always get ready mixed putty in tubs if its a protected wall not much rain or high winds hitting it

[@2_shoes]

Had the same on the mother in laws house, the cement was trapping the water causing it to come back into the flue and cause damp issues further down the flue at its bend. It had been going on for years and the lime mortar had deteriorated that much that the stack had started to lean. The chimney you've built looks bang on, quick question though which lime do you use?

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

This was an NHL 3.5 that I re pointed it in It was rebuilt in a 1 to 5 cement based mortar I didn't rebuild it they had another company rebuild it

[@ianb9103]

Have the bricks some kind of sealant. They appear very shiny?

[@b3nj0kid]

Hi Glen. I’m tackling a very similar job to this. The current pointing looks to be a real mix of different local repairs over the years. I’d intended to use a hydrated lime, builders sand, cement mix. After watching your videos I’m not so sure. Also what’s the difference between hydrated lime and NHL? Cheers.

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

Nhl lime you mix with sharp sand Hydrated you mix with cement and building sand

[@user-cn1em2qx6f]

if unsure whether house is lime mortar built or cement mortar built. is it ok to re point out of lime mortar instead just to be on the safe side? im quite sure its lime built as its solid brickwork. would there be any side effects if i pointed with lime but house was built with cement?

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

What age was the house built Do the vinegar test on it You could also wattsapp me some pictures if you like

[@user-cn1em2qx6f]

@@GMTpointingspecialistsltd not sure on age. and can do. have you got a number i can sent to?

[@user-cn1em2qx6f]

house was buiilt 1906 i think

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@@user-cn1em2qx6f 07990902562

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@@user-cn1em2qx6f good chance it's lime

[@marks6663]

would it be a good idea to use lime even for new brickwork since it is breathable?

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

Yes you can

[@davidwood8837]

Did you use a pozzolan when you repointed it? If so what would you recommend. Thanks for the great videos

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

No it was repointed in an NHL Pozzolan is more for putty or hot lime Or winter pointing

[@davidwood8837]

@@GMTpointingspecialistsltd thanks for your quick response

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@@davidwood8837 no probs What are you pointing and what lime are you using

[@davidwood8837]

@@GMTpointingspecialistsltd hello I was going to repoint a very old cottage wall in Norfolk. The bricks are very soft over 200 years old so was thinking of using a putty?

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@@davidwood8837 putty or hot lime only good for in closed areas or ares with low winds keep it damp for at least a week watch for it cracking Shop around for your putty as prices vary In north wales it wouldn't last That's why I use NHL over here Good luck with your project

[@kierenboimufc5940]

Ive got to do a new build with lime mortar comes in jumbo bags. Are you able to pre mix it and put in to a air tight tub for next day or next weekend ?

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

Is it a lime putty

[@kierenboimufc5940]

@@GMTpointingspecialistsltd its in a jumbo bag like you get materials from builders merchants but has a plastic cover around it. Basically looks like everything has been mixed dry and put into the bag

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@@kierenboimufc5940 sounds like a putty if you mix it and put it in a bucket cover with water and put a lid on it can last for years But if it's NHL it will start to go off as soon as water hits it and will start to go hard in a few days

[@kierenboimufc5940]

@@GMTpointingspecialistsltd you know most like mortars you can crush up and use again are you able to with NHL ?

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@@kierenboimufc5940 once you add water to NHL it starts to go off calcification is taking place so not advised to Do that What ever lime you use check the free data sheet out online

[@leecarbines6767]

Hi mate what's your views on this, we've been asked to use the following mix to build a house. 2.5 sand to 1 NHL 5. No grit/ aggregate. Thanks

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

Are you using reclaimed bricks or new bricks

[@leecarbines6767]

@@GMTpointingspecialistsltd stone

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@leecarbines6767 I'd 100% get it in wrighting that's what they recommend I'd have sharp sand in that mix For stone I'm working on a large stone house in a couple of months Built in building sand and cement 40 years ago there having nothing but problems with it Nhl5 is very strong you may as well use cement

[@leecarbines6767]

@@GMTpointingspecialistsltd thanks mate my thoughts exactly. I've never used NHL without aggregate before or would never choose to. The job had already been started and we are just sub contracts

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@leecarbines6767 yeah understand just protect yourself and your buisness Just put in wrighting you don't recommend the specs but will work to them but don't offer a guarantee

[@serifdunn3894]

What lime did u use for that please mate?

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

I used an NHL 3.5 You can use a NHL 5 This was re built in cement not by me All I did was repoint it

[@serifdunn3894]

@@GMTpointingspecialistsltd Nice one. Thank u

[@jamesbishop8630]

Is it ok to just do a lime render over the whole chimney covering the bricks after scraping out the joints?

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

Yes you can depending on the bricks

[@rossemslie4861]

Where can I get lime?

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@@rossemslie4861 search what lime you are looking for on Google Search lime supplier's near me

[@TheCrackbinge]

When did they stop using lime mortar? I have a 1950’s house and the mortar in the outbuildings is crumbling to dust

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

They stopped around the 1940s then they used a different type of lime with cement But each area of the country differs

[@benfontaine3023]

I’m trying to repoint my chimney and I grinded out most of the mortar to find that the inside of the top 1/3 is rotted like this. It’s almost like dirt between the clay liner and brick. Do you have a way I can send you the video and let me know if I should just take down the top 1/3 instead of repointing. It looks like the former owner repointed with cement versus lime mortar like you mentioned.

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

If it's like dirt check to see if the bricks move easily if they do take it down Do a proper job and it will last for years

[@silverbullet1759]

Sterling work there champ

[@barrymichaels2663]

I see this so much overtime it will just blow the Faces off the bricks.

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

Yes it does that as well lost about 30 bricks of this chimney but was lucky it had to be dropped the feathers had fallen in so chimney was dangerous

[@inp1509]

it looks like its been varnished

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

No I wet it with a hose pipe to show of the colour of the bricks and pointing

[@AndrewCalder-l3j]

Did you tank the brickwork? Surely that makes using lime pointless

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@AndrewCalder-l3j it's a listed building The chimney was taken down and rebuilt in lime

[@AndrewCalder-l3j]

@@GMTpointingspecialistsltd Makes sense, I was asking about the shine on the bricks at the end. Looks like a waterproof tanking material. That would hold the water in I thought and make the lime unable to function properly? Do you recommend waterproof tanking brickwork?

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@AndrewCalder-l3j it was water to show the colour of the brick and aggregates in the mix It just rained heavily when I did the video No I don't recommend tanking a chimney as you call it

[@AndrewCalder-l3j]

@@GMTpointingspecialistsltd Thanks that makes sense!

[@billysanford9799]

If it only lasts 95 years, can I get my money back?😁

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

Yeah 🤣🤣🤣