Often beautiful and sometimes intricate, brickwork defines the character of many old houses. Sadly, it is frequently poorly maintained and is vulnerable to damage and abuse, not least through the application of inappropriate paints and other finishes. Just as important as the bricks is the mortar – understanding how it performs and appreciating its colour and texture is vital.
How to repair
One of the most common problems with brickwork is ‘spalling’. This crumbling of the brick’s face can happen for a number of reasons, including if bricks were poorly fired during manufacture. A