My house was built in 1904 and I need the table wall repointed. Guy is going to use 3 parts sharp sand and one part NHL. Soooo are you going to tell me ive messed up already? Anything to watch out for?
As long as he's not using any cement, that sounds okay I think (I am a plumber, not a builder though!) Or you could just buy ready to use (just add water) lime mortar from here: https://www.lime-mortars.co.uk/
If you use OPC with old bricks, the bricks will spall and shatter in time. Lime mortar is a sacrificial device, it absorbs the moisture from the brick and spalls during freezing, leaving the brick largely intact.
Oh yes the stuff I have at home. yes I will ask to see what they are mixing before. I’m sure they won’t quote and use cement, hopefully.
If they won’t quote and are likely to use cement, sack them off and find someone else who will quote and knows about lime mortar.
They’ve quoted and coming Monday. I meant in the quote they don’t say normal cement. I’ve just had a lot of bad luck recently.
Yeah I saw your kitchen nightmare. Join the club, I guess that’s why you’re here like me and trying to get the right advice and knowledge to avoid anymore DIY SOS!
Agh. So they are on site. There is an open bag of lime that doesn’t look like a lot has been used. Three empty bags of sharp sand.... is there a problem? I’ve checked the bin as well.
Not necessarily, but it would be best to ask them straight out what mix they are using and show interest in it and their workmanship.
I have asked several times. 3:1. They said they are using shovel sizes, no like one bag lime to three bags sand. Also not by weight as well. Doesn’t sound right...
They’ve finished and did an ok job. However...... the bricks look dirty. Should they have washed them?