Patching areas of mortar failure
Small‑area brick and stone repointing in south Nottinghamshire and north west Leicestershire
Not every wall needs a full repointing job. In many cases, only a small section of brickwork or stonework has been damaged by weather, water ingress, plant growth or previous poor repairs. At Gladstone Pointing, we believe in doing only the work that is necessary. If the rest of your wall is sound, we can carry out localised patch repointing to restore the damaged area without the cost of repointing the entire elevation.This approach is ideal for homeowners who want a cost‑effective repair that still protects the building and blends seamlessly with the original appearance.
Specialist lime mortar repairs for small damaged areas
When carrying out small‑area repairs, we begin by assessing the condition of the existing mortar and brickwork. If the surrounding mortar is still strong and breathable, we simply repair the affected section.
To ensure a perfect match, we take a small sample of the original mortar and analyse its colour, texture and composition. This allows us to create a custom lime mortar blend that matches your wall as closely as possible.
We can also use natural earth pigments to give the new mortar a gently weathered appearance. This ensures the repaired area blends naturally with the rest of the wall, avoiding the obvious “new patch” look while still providing long‑lasting protection.
What our patch repointing service includes:
We offer a complete small‑area repair service for brick and stone walls, including:
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Localised lime‑mortar repointing for damaged or eroded joints
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Brick or stone replacement/repair where individual units have cracked, spalled or deteriorated
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Mortar colour matching to ensure repairs blend seamlessly
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Traditional pointing styles matched to the age and character of your home
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Careful cleaning of the repaired area to ensure a consistent finish
Every repair is carried out using breathable lime mortar, which is essential for older buildings. Lime allows moisture to escape naturally, preventing trapped damp and protecting the long‑term health of the wall.
Why patch repointing matters
Even small gaps in mortar joints can allow water to penetrate the wall. Over time, this leads to damp patches, frost damage, internal staining and costly structural issues. Localised repointing stops the problem early, restoring the wall’s weather resistance without unnecessary work. Patch repointing is ideal for:
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Isolated frost‑damaged areas
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Cracks caused by plant roots or ivy
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Localised water damage
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Previous cement repairs that need replacing with lime
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Small sections of loose or missing mortar
Local patch repointing across south Nottinghamshire and north west Leicestershire
We provide small‑area repointing and brick repair across south Nottinghamshire, including:
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West Bridgford
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Nottingham
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Beeston
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Bramcote
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The surrounding south Nottinghamshire villages
We also work throughout north west Leicestershire, offering the same high‑quality lime‑mortar repairs for brick and stone walls of all ages.
See the difference our work makes
To view examples of the issues we can solve — and how our repointing services can restore and protect your brickwork — visit our portfolio.
To see examples of the problems we can solve — and how our repointing services can restore your brickwork — click here.
Frequently asked questions about lime mortar patching
1. How long does it take to point a small area of a wall?
The time required to repoint a wall depends on the size of the wall, the condition of the existing mortar, and the level of preparation needed. As a general guide:
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1 hour per square metre to prepare the wall
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2 hours per square metre to remove old mortar
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2 hours per square metre to install new lime mortar
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1 hour per square metre to finish and brush back the joints
For example, a 3m² wall typically takes around 4 days to complete from start to finish. After the work is done, I carry out a follow‑up inspection approximately three weeks later to correct any minor defects that may appear during the lime‑mortar curing process. This ensures the wall is fully protected and finished to a high standard.
2. How much does it cost to repoint a section of a wall?
Costs vary depending on access, wall condition, brick or stone type, and whether any repairs are needed. I provide a full breakdown of my pricing structure on my blog (link).
As a rough guide, using the 3m² example above and assuming no complications, the cost is typically around:
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£2,200 + VAT for the grinding out, repointing work and colour matching
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Plus any scaffolding, which is usually around £1,000 depending on height and access
Every project is quoted individually after a site visit (and is broken down so you can make choices) so you only pay for the work your wall genuinely needs.
3. Why is lime mortar better than cement for older houses?
Lime mortar is essential for older brick and stone buildings because it is softer, more flexible, and more breathable than modern cement. This makes it compatible with traditional materials such as:
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Soft Tudor, Regency, Victorian and Edwardian bricks
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Bulwell stone/Nottinghamshire sandstone or Leicestershire Triassic sandstone or Lias limestone
Here’s why lime performs better:
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Breathability: Lime allows moisture to evaporate naturally, preventing damp from becoming trapped inside the wall.
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Flexibility: Lime can expand and contract with the building, reducing cracking and long‑term damage.
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Protection: When rain hits a lime‑pointed wall, the lime absorbs the moisture first and releases it safely, protecting the bricks or stone behind it.
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Cement problems: Cement is too hard and too dense for older materials. It traps moisture, which can cause bricks to crack, spall or crumble—especially during frost.
For a full explanation, see my detailed blog post on why lime mortar is the correct choice for traditional homes.