Repointing brickwork looks deceptively simple. You might think it’s just a case of scraping out some old mortar and squashing in some new. But if you’ve found yourself wondering, “Can I repoint a brick wall myself?”, it’s worth knowing exactly what you’re getting into — and what the potential pitfalls are.
Let’s be honest: if you’re handy, confident and it’s a small patch of brickwork tucked away in a garden wall, then yes — you might be able to give DIY repointing a decent go. There are plenty of YouTube tutorials that’ll show you the basic technique. But if we’re talking about the front of your house, an older property, or anything vaguely structural — it’s another matter entirely.
Here’s what you need to consider.
Repointing isn’t just cosmetic
The main job of mortar is to keep your bricks in place and protect your home from the elements. When the mortar starts to fail, your property becomes vulnerable to water damage, brick movement, and even structural issues over time.
Repointing done badly doesn’t just look messy — it can cause more problems than it solves. Too much mortar? You can bridge weep vents and trap water. The wrong mix? You could damage your bricks or create rigidity in walls that are meant to breathe. Uneven joints? Rainwater will find its way in and soak behind the bricks.
This is why what looks like a simple DIY job on the surface is actually a skilled trade in practice.
You’ll need the right tools
Repointing requires more than just a pointing trowel and a bag of mortar from the local DIY store. Professional repointers use:
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Mortar rakes or angle grinders with dust suppression to safely remove old mortar
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Specialist pointing tools for tight joints and hard-to-reach areas
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Brick brushes, chisels and buckets for clean-up
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Lime mortar (in older buildings), which requires knowledge to mix and apply correctly
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Access equipment or scaffolding for high areas
Even a small area can involve several hours of prep and multiple stages. It’s not a quick fix.
Matching mortar is harder than it sounds
One of the key mistakes with DIY repointing is using the wrong type of mortar. On newer homes, cement-based mortar is usually appropriate — but you still need to match the strength, colour and texture to the existing pointing.
On older properties, especially pre-1930s, lime mortar is often essential. Using modern cement mortar on old bricks can trap moisture, cause the bricks to decay, and eventually lead to major damp problems. Lime mortar needs to be carefully mixed, applied and cured — and many builders don’t even use it correctly, never mind DIYers.
If you get it wrong, the mismatch will stand out a mile — and repairing it costs more than doing it right the first time.
The finish matters – especially if it’s your home’s exterior
Even if you manage to mix the right mortar, apply it evenly and clean up the joints, the final finish is what people will see — and it’s hard to fake. Flush, bucket handle, weather-struck, recessed… each style has its own look, technique and application.
Badly repointed walls can devalue your home and leave it looking worse than before. Worse still, they can hide deeper issues you didn’t spot or make future repairs more complicated.
DIY may be cheaper now – but more expensive later
We get it — if money’s tight, the idea of tackling the work yourself is appealing. And for very minor repairs, it might be okay. But the cost of a repointing job gone wrong can easily outweigh the price of hiring a professional in the first place.
Common mistakes we see from botched DIY repointing include:
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Mortar staining bricks permanently
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Incomplete removal of old mortar, leading to poor adhesion
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Bridging damp-proof courses or ventilation gaps
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Cracking and spalling from the wrong mix
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Messy finishes that reduce kerb appeal
When you factor in the cost of materials, hiring or buying tools, and your time — the saving often isn’t as big as it looks. And if it needs redoing professionally, you’ll be paying twice.
So what’s the verdict?
If it’s a small job, non-structural, and you’re up for the challenge — you can certainly try repointing it yourself. There’s something satisfying about learning a skill and improving your home with your own hands.
But if the wall is large, visible, part of your house, or a period property — you’ll get far better results by hiring an expert. A proper repointing job can last decades, protect your home from water damage, and actually increase your home’s value.
At Gap Restoration, we don’t just repoint brickwork — we restore confidence in your walls. We match your existing pointing style, use the correct materials for your building’s age, and carry out all work with care, precision, and minimal disruption.
If you’re unsure whether your wall needs repointing, or if you’d like an honest opinion about whether you could do it yourself, get in touch. We’re always happy to help — no pressure, no upsell.
