Erm - worth a shot - does anyone know any decent builders who do brickwork repair / repointing?

 

I am sure there are some on here, if not try derby.gov.uk trusted traders

What is it you need doing?

6 minutes ago, Boycie said:

What is it you need doing?

Needs some brick work repointing

Yeah back wall of the house is in a bit of a state - definitely needs some repointing as there is penetrating damp in one section, but I'm not an expert in these things.

I had Peter Cox round and he just told me to get a builder on the job - all they want to do is sell DPC to people, they aren't actually the "specialists" they make out.

Then I had another builder who just wanted to render the whole wall and I told him to jog on

Sounds like it needs repointing to me.

There are guys who don't grind enough of the old stuff out and only point on top of what you have.  Obviously watch out for that, wether they talk the talk and walk the walk is another matter.

its a labour intensive job and isn't a 5 min operation either.  Grinding out the old is a dirty and dusty job too, many and upset neighbour has complained if not informed.

its not a job for a frosty period either, a summer job really, but it's the winter that you want to keep out isn't it.

i know guys who do it, but like I say, it's the wrong time of the year really.

14 minutes ago, Boycie said:

There are guys who don't grind enough of the old stuff out and only point on top of what you have.  Obviously watch out for that, wether they talk the talk and walk the walk is another matter.

its a labour intensive job and isn't a 5 min operation either.  Grinding out the old is a dirty and dusty job too, many and upset neighbour has complained if not informed.

its not a job for a frosty period either, a summer job really, but it's the winter that you want to keep out isn't it.

i know guys who do it, but like I say, it's the wrong time of the year really.

Totally agree with all that. Do not, repeat, not, have the wall rendered.

We had a couple of walls repointed a few years ago. The guys were great, but I think the owner sold up some time ago, and was in Leicester.

You might also find that you need some bricks replacing, if they've 'blown', in which case they can get them from reclamation yards. We needed loads as it's an old house (1908).

The worst areas are generally behind down pipes from gutters, especially the old cast iron pipes, as they rust from behind and seep for decades. As Boycie says, it's a summer job.

Cheers chaps - I think I can wait till the weather turns for the better, I'm just conscious that I need to get someone lined up for next year rather than waiting and then getting told that they are too busy

7 hours ago, StivePesley said:

Cheers chaps - I think I can wait till the weather turns for the better, I'm just conscious that I need to get someone lined up for next year rather than waiting and then getting told that they are too busy

Now that's the problem isn't it? Reliable builders, jobs not over running impacting on your start date. Do you have any friends or family who can recommend a builder?

I'll ask my mate who does it what his work loads like. Trouble is, it's a boring job, and if a builder gets a better offer come in it gets put back.  I feel your pain.

Cheers - maybe I should quit my job and retrain!