Frequently Asked Questions

At Swinton & Sons Masonry, we understand that having work carried out on your property can come with lots of questions. Below, we’ve answered some of the questions we are most frequently asked about our masonry, repointing, restoration and structural repair services.

Do you provide free quotations?

Yes. We provide free, no-obligation quotations. We will assess the work required, discuss the options available and provide you with a clear quotation before any work begins.

Is scaffolding included in the price?

Yes. We have our own in-house scaffolding, meaning scaffolding is included with our masonry contracts where required. This helps us manage the whole project ourselves without relying on a separate scaffolding company.

What areas do you cover?

We undertake masonry and building restoration projects throughout North West England. Contact our team with your location and we can confirm whether we cover your area.

What masonry services do you provide?

We provide a wide range of specialist masonry and restoration services, including brick and stone repointing, masonry repairs, chemical cleaning, structural repairs, lintel replacement, brick replacement, stone restoration, damp-related masonry work and more.

What is repointing?

Repointing involves removing deteriorated or unsuitable mortar from between bricks or stone and replacing it with new mortar.

Correct repointing can help protect the masonry from water penetration, weather damage and further deterioration while also improving the appearance of the property.

How do I know if my property needs repointing?

Some common signs include crumbling or missing mortar, cracks between bricks or stone, damp patches, loose masonry or mortar that has significantly weathered away.

If you are unsure, we can inspect the property and advise whether repointing is required.

Why is using the correct mortar important?

Different buildings require different types of mortar. Using mortar that is too hard or unsuitable for the masonry can contribute to moisture problems and deterioration of the surrounding brick or stone.

We assess the property and use an appropriate mortar system for the masonry being restored.

Do you use lime mortar?

Yes. Lime mortar may be recommended for traditional stonework and older properties where a more breathable mortar is required.

The correct mortar will depend on the age, construction and condition of the property, which we assess before carrying out the work.

Can cement mortar damage an older stone property?

In some traditional properties, hard cement-based mortar can prevent moisture from escaping through the joints as originally intended. This can sometimes contribute to deterioration of softer brick or stone.

Where appropriate, removing unsuitable mortar and replacing it with a compatible lime mortar can help protect the masonry.

Will repointing help prevent damp?

Damaged pointing can allow rainwater to penetrate external walls, so correctly repairing the mortar joints may help address this type of moisture ingress.

However, damp can have several causes. We recommend identifying the source of the problem rather than assuming repointing alone will solve it.

What is a masonry chemical clean?

A masonry chemical clean is used to remove dirt, staining, organic growth and weathering from brick or stonework.

It can dramatically improve the appearance of older masonry and is often carried out alongside our repointing and restoration work.

Is chemical cleaning better than sandblasting?

This depends on the type and condition of the masonry.

Chemical cleaning can provide an effective clean without the aggressive mechanical action associated with some abrasive cleaning methods. We assess the masonry first and recommend the most suitable cleaning method for the property.

Will chemical cleaning damage my stonework?

The cleaning method and product must be suitable for the type of masonry being treated. We assess the surface before work begins and use professional cleaning methods designed to clean the masonry without unnecessarily damaging it.

Do you carry out structural masonry repairs?

Yes. We undertake structural masonry repairs including cracking, failed masonry, lintel replacement, structural reinforcement and other specialist repairs.

For more significant structural problems, the appropriate repair method will depend on the cause and extent of the damage.

Can you repair cracks in brickwork and stonework?

Yes. We can assess cracks in masonry and recommend an appropriate repair method. Depending on the problem, this may include repointing, masonry repairs or structural reinforcement such as Helibar crack stitching.

It is important to establish why the cracking has occurred before deciding on the correct repair.

Do you replace damaged bricks and stone?

Yes. Damaged, blown or severely deteriorated masonry can often be carefully removed and replaced as part of a wider restoration project.

How long does repointing last?

Professionally completed repointing using appropriate materials can provide long-lasting protection. The lifespan will depend on factors including the masonry, exposure to weather, property condition and mortar used.

Our repointing work comes with a 10-year guarantee, giving our customers additional peace of mind.

Will repointing create a lot of dust?

Removing old mortar naturally creates dust. However, we use professional M-Class dust extraction equipment during grinding to significantly reduce airborne dust and mess while work is being carried out.

Do I need to arrange scaffolding separately?

No. Where scaffolding is required as part of your masonry project, we can provide it ourselves through our in-house scaffolding service. This makes the process much simpler for our customers.

Can you work on listed, traditional or older properties?

We specialise in masonry restoration and understand that older properties can require different materials and techniques from modern buildings.

The existing construction, stone or brick type and original mortar should all be considered before restoration work begins.

Do you work with landlords and estate agents?

Yes. We work with homeowners, landlords, property professionals and estate agents across the North West.

We can assist with masonry repairs, property restoration, pre-sale works and maintenance across individual or multiple properties.

Do you undertake insurance repair work?

Yes. We can undertake masonry repair and restoration work relating to insurance claims. Where required, we can provide detailed quotations and supporting information about the proposed repair work to help make the process as straightforward as possible.

How long will my masonry work take?

This depends on the size and complexity of the project. Smaller repairs may only require a short period, while full repointing, restoration or structural projects will naturally take longer.

We will discuss the expected timescale with you before work begins.

Are you insured?

Yes. Swinton & Sons Masonry operates professionally and holds appropriate insurance for the work we undertake. Details can be provided where required.

Do you guarantee your work?

Yes. Our repointing work comes with a 10-year guarantee. We take pride in carrying out masonry work correctly, using suitable materials and professional methods designed to provide a long-lasting result.

How do I get a quotation?

Simply contact Swinton & Sons Masonry and tell us a little about your property and the work you are considering. Our team can arrange the next steps and provide a free, no-obligation quotation.

Call our office on 01254 937684 or use our online contact form to request your free quotation.