Brickwork Deterioration

BGC Brickies Own Repointing Mortar is a pre-mixed lime-cement mortar used to repoint deteriorated mortar joints in brick masonry facades. The pre-mixed formulation ensures consistent lime-to-cement ratios across the works, reducing the variability associated with site-mixed mortars. Used in Class 2 strata facade remediation for the removal of eroded, cracked or failed mortar joints and replacement with fresh mortar to restore weathertightness and visual appearance. The lime content provides workability and allows the mortar to accommodate minor thermal and structural movement without cracking. Repointing with a mortar of appropriate strength is essential — use of an excessively strong OPC-rich mortar in a lime-brick masonry system can cause stress concentration and spalling of the brick face. Confirm joint raking depth (minimum 15 mm) and surface preparation before application.

Parchem Renderoc MP is a polymer-modified cementitious repair mortar used for masonry, brick and render repairs in Class 2 strata building remediation. The polymer modification provides improved bond to the parent substrate compared to plain cementitious mortars, with enhanced durability and resistance to carbonation and chloride ingress in exposed facade environments. Renderoc MP is suitable for filling voids, repairs to spalled or damaged brickwork faces, patching render, and minor masonry section replacement. Apply in layers — confirm maximum layer thickness per Parchem TDS. Use Nitobond EP or compatible bonding agent on the substrate for improved adhesion on smooth or low-absorption surfaces.

Helifix Helibars Type 1 are 304 stainless steel helical bars used for retrofit cavity wall tie replacement and masonry crack stitching in brick veneer and cavity wall construction. Where existing mild steel wall ties have corroded and expanded — causing mortar joint cracking and brick face spalling — Helibars are installed into drilled holes in the mortar joints on either side of the cavity and fixed with resin chemical anchor to restore tie function. The helical profile distributes load over a long bonded length and provides both tensile and compressive resistance in the cavity. Installation is carried out from the external face without requiring access to the cavity interior. Tie spacing, drilling pattern and resin selection must be confirmed by a structural engineer based on the existing wall construction and defect extent.

Ramset PowerSet is a polyester resin-based chemical anchor system used for fixing wall ties, lintels, and structural anchors into concrete and brick masonry substrates. The resin is injected into a drilled hole and the anchor rod or bar is inserted before curing, creating a high-strength bond between the anchor and the parent material without mechanical expansion forces that could split the masonry. In brickwork remediation, PowerSet is used to fix helical wall tie bars and replacement lintels into existing brickwork. The cartridge injection system allows for consistent resin volume and minimises waste. Confirm hole diameter, depth, and cleaning procedure per Ramset TDS — contamination or inadequate hole cleaning is the primary cause of chemical anchor bond failure.

Galvatech Duplex Lintels are hot-dip galvanised and epoxy powder-coated steel lintels for use in masonry construction. The duplex coating system — combining hot-dip galvanising with a powder-coat overcoat — provides significantly enhanced corrosion resistance compared to painted or galvanised-only sections, making them suitable for exposed and coastal masonry facade applications in Class 2 strata remediation. Lintel replacement is required where existing mild steel lintels have corroded and expanded within the masonry, causing cracking above openings, brick face spalling, and mortar joint failure. Installation requires temporary propping of the masonry above the opening before the defective lintel is removed and the replacement installed. Structural engineer design is mandatory for lintel sizing, bearing length and propping requirements.

Alcore Cavity Flashing is an extruded aluminium damp-proof course flashing system for masonry cavity walls. The aluminium flashing is installed at the base of the cavity, above openings, and at any cavity tray location to collect and redirect moisture that penetrates the outer leaf of brickwork to weep holes at the external face, preventing moisture tracking across the cavity to the inner leaf. In remediation works, cavity flashing replacement or installation is required where original flashings have corroded, failed or been omitted. Works typically require partial brick removal to expose the cavity and install or reinstate the flashing and weep holes. Confirm flashing profile, end dam requirements, and weep hole spacing with the building consultant or structural engineer.

Sikaflex-11 FC+ is a one-component moisture-curing polyurethane sealant used for movement joints and control joints in brickwork facades. In Class 2 strata brick facade remediation, movement joints are required at regular centres in long brick walls to accommodate thermal and structural movement — failure to provide or maintain these joints leads to cracking and mortar joint failure in adjacent brickwork. Sikaflex-11 FC+ is applied by cartridge gun over backer rod or bond breaker tape. Available in multiple standard colours. Suitable for use at horizontal and vertical movement joints in brick facades, junction joints between brickwork and window/door frames, and at changes of plane. Confirm joint width, expected movement, and backer rod specification per Sika TDS before application.

Wattyl Silane 40 is a 40% silane penetrating water repellent for brick, masonry and concrete facades. Silane penetrates into the masonry surface and reacts with silica in the substrate to form a hydrophobic lining within the surface pores — repelling liquid water while remaining vapour-permeable and allowing the masonry to breathe. The treatment is colourless and does not form a surface film, leaving the visual appearance of the brick unaltered. In brickwork remediation, masonry water repellents are applied as a secondary protection layer after repointing and repair works are complete. They are not a substitute for adequate mortar joint integrity — water repellent cannot bridge failed joints or cracks. Confirm surface preparation, application rate, and reapplication interval per Wattyl TDS. High-concentration silane products (40%) are suitable for dense, low-absorption masonry where lower concentrations would not achieve adequate penetration depth.

Parchem Nitobond EP is a two-part epoxy bonding agent used to improve adhesion between cementitious repair mortars and masonry or concrete substrates. Applied by brush to the prepared substrate as a priming coat before the repair mortar is applied while the epoxy is still tacky, the bonding agent bridges the interface between old and new materials and significantly improves pull-off strength compared to unprimed application. In brickwork and masonry repair, Nitobond EP is used when applying Renderoc MP or similar repair mortars to brick faces, spalled edges, and masonry voids where direct substrate bond strength may be insufficient. The two-component epoxy must be mixed in the correct ratio and applied within the pot life period. Do not allow the bonding agent to dry fully before applying the repair mortar — it must be applied to the wet or tacky epoxy.