Heritage Repointing in Ballarat

What heritage repointing in Ballarat actually involves

The code says modern Portland cement-based mortars, because of their high strength and relative impermeability, are incompatible with lime mortars and with many of the masonry materials used in older buildings. Ask what the new mortar is and why it suits your bricks. The code also says earlier repointing done in hard cement mortar, or with incorrect profiles, shall not be matched.

The joint

Joints are to be raked or cut out to 2.5 times the joint width, with a minimum depth of 20 mm, by hand or with oscillating blade tools. The code says angle grinders and disc cutters are not acceptable when oscillating blade tools can be used successfully. Ask which tool will be used and how the dust is controlled.

Weather, and who to ask about a permit

New work is to be protected from frost, rain, sun and particularly wind for at least four weeks, and temperatures below 5°C and above 30°C are unacceptable working conditions unless misting systems keep the humidity up. Whether a permit applies depends on whether the building is on the Victorian Heritage Register, in a Heritage Overlay or neither. This site does not say which applies to you. The City of Ballarat employs full-time Heritage Advisors, and Heritage Victoria answers for a place on the Register.

The costs page lists every line above with the government page it comes from, and the suburbs page lists the areas this site covers.

Heritage Repointing in Ballarat — common questions

Why not just use cement mortar?

The Heritage Council of Victoria's code says modern cement-based mortars are incompatible with lime mortars and with many of the masonry materials used in older buildings.

How deep is old mortar cut out?

The code says joints are raked or cut out to 2.5 times the joint width, with a minimum depth of 20 mm.

Does this site repoint walls?

No. It is run by a marketing company and passes each enquiry to an independent qualified local provider.