How to restore an exterior brick wall?

# How to restore an exterior brick wall?

"De-grouteing" is a crucial step in the restoration of brick walls, especially those that have been affected by time and weather. With natural wear and tear, the joints – which hold the bricks together and ensure their stability – begin to deteriorate, leading to cracks, loss of waterproofing, and even risks to the strength of the wall. Degrouting consists of removing the old, degraded mortar and replacing it with a new mortar, thus guaranteeing the protection and aesthetic appearance of the wall. This process, far from trivial, prevents more serious damage and contributes to the durability of buildings while giving a new lease of life to brick exterior walls.

Maintenance of exterior walls is essential, as they face sometimes very harsh conditions, such as freeze-thaw cycles, rain, wind, and exposure to the sun. These elements contribute to the gradual disintegration of the joints, weakening the structure of the wall. In this article, we will explore the steps of dejointing and repointing brick walls, focusing on the tools needed to carry out quality work, including the TIVOLY XT31061, which stands out for its precision and efficiency in masonry work.

# Why restore an exterior brick wall? 

Exterior brick walls, while robust, are particularly exposed to climatic conditions which, over the years, alter their appearance and solidity. The degradation of the joints is one of the first consequences of this continuous exposure. The joints, which are made of a mortar that is generally more fragile than the brick itself, deteriorate quickly due to rain, frost and pollution. When joints crack or disintegrate, several problems arise. 

First, the very structure of the wall can be endangered. Deteriorated joints compromise the cohesion of the bricks, reducing the stability of the wall. This phenomenon can also cause water infiltration which, by interfering in the cracks, freezes and then melts, causes an even faster degradation of the materials. This process, known as the "freeze-thaw cycle," can even lead to micro-cracks forming in the bricks themselves, making the problem worse. 

In addition to the structural aspect, the aesthetics of the wall are also impacted. Cracked or missing joints make the wall look outdated, and brick, a living and naturally porous material, can absorb more dirt and pollution when poorly protected. Restoring a brick wall by depointing and repointing therefore preserves the appearance of the wall and restores it to its original shine. 
Finally, the restored joints improve the thermal and sound insulation of the wall, thus contributing to interior comfort. A well-maintained exterior wall acts as a more effective barrier against heat loss, which is essential for reducing a building's energy consumption. It is therefore recommended to carry out a regular inspection of the joints and to plan de-jointing and repointing work as soon as signs of deterioration are observed. Thanks to suitable tools, such as the TIVOLY XT31061, these operations can be carried out precisely, efficiently, and sustainably, even for large-scale work

# Steps to Degrouting and Repointing a Brick Wall 

Degrouting an exterior brick wall is a demanding restoration operation, requiring precision and patience to obtain a durable and aesthetic result. The process involves several essential steps, from preparing the wall to applying the new mortar. Here is a detailed guide to the steps to follow, with a focus on the Tivoly XT31061 tool, specially designed to facilitate dejointing and guarantee quality work. 

• Preparing the wall 

Preparing the wall is a step that is often underestimated, but crucial to ensure proper adhesion of the new mortar. Before starting the degrouting, it is important to clean the wall to remove dust, dirt, moss, and any residue that could interfere with adhesion. To do this, use a wire brush or a soft brush, depending on the condition of the brick and mortar. It is also recommended to slightly moisten the wall before dejointing, as a wall that is too dry can be more difficult to work with. 

• De-grouting old joints 

Degrouting is the process of removing old, degraded mortars without damaging the bricks themselves. At this stage, the Tivoly XT31061 dejointing tool is particularly valuable. Designed to allow for increased accuracy, it helps remove mortar without the risk of chipping bricks. 
Use the right tool: Get the Tivoly XT31061, which offers a specially designed de-jointing head to remove old mortar with great precision. Insert it between the joints and work along with them following the contour of the bricks. The aim is to remove the mortar to a depth of 1.5 to 2 cm, which is sufficient to accommodate new mortar and ensure good adhesion. 
Methodical progression: Work methodically, section by section, to avoid skipping areas or rushing. You can start with the horizontal joints and then move on to the vertical joints, making sure to remove all the deteriorated mortar. Be sure to remove residue thoroughly, as it could weaken the new mortar. 
Avoid damage to the brick: Be vigilant, especially around the edges of the bricks, which are the most vulnerable areas when dejointing. Working too aggressively can cause chips or cracks in the brick, which will weaken the structure and detract from the final appearance. The Tivoly XT31061 is designed to reduce this risk, but keeping a light hand is essential. 

• Clean the joints 

Once the old mortar has been removed, it is crucial to clean the joints thoroughly to remove any residual dust and particles. Use a soft brush to remove dust and an air blower to reach deeper areas. Once this step is complete, lightly moisten the joints with a water spray to prepare the surface for the new mortar. This moistening allows the new mortar to adhere better and prevents it from drying out too quickly. 

• Prepare the repointing mortar 

The choice of mortar is an important step in ensuring the sustainability of the restoration. Opt for a mortar suitable for exterior walls, ideally a lime-based mortar, as the latter allows the wall to breathe well while being more flexible than a pure cement mortar. Lime is especially recommended for older buildings, as it adapts better to the natural movements of the structure. 
Mixing the mortar: follow the manufacturer's instructions for mixing the mortar, strictly respecting the dosages to ensure the right texture and adhesion. The mortar must be homogeneous, neither too liquid nor too thick, to be easily applied in the joints. 
Test the consistency: Before applying the mortar, test on a small area to check its consistency and adhesion. This ensures that the mortar penetrates the joints properly without leaking. 

• Repointing joints 

Once the mortar is prepared, you can move on to the repointing stage. It is a painstaking process that requires precision to achieve uniform and strong joints. 
Apply the mortar: Using a repointing trowel, insert the mortar into the joints, pressing firmly so that it adheres well to the walls. Work in small sections, making sure to fill each joint to the outer surface of the brick. 
Standardize the joints: Use a joint iron to smooth the surface of the mortar and achieve a homogeneous appearance. This step is essential to ensure the waterproofing of the wall and prevent water from seeping into the cavities. You can also give the joint a slightly concave finish to help rainwater drain away more easily. 
Smooth and clean burs: Once the joints have been filled, it is advisable to quickly clean the mortar burrs on the brick with a slightly damp sponge. Quick cleaning ensures a neat appearance and prevents the mortar from drying out on the brick surface. 

• Let dry and check 

Drying time is an important step in ensuring the durability of the joints. It is recommended to let the mortar dry away from direct sunlight and rain for at least 48 hours, or even longer in wet conditions. Scaffolding or protective film can be used to protect the wall during drying. Once the wall is dry, check that the joints are compact and that there are no cracks. If touch-ups are necessary, they should be done quickly to avoid damage to the restored wall.

Restoring an exterior brick wall through the stages of depointing and repointing is an essential maintenance operation to extend the life of a building. This preventive intervention limits the effects of wear and tear and bad weather while ensuring the solidity of the structure and reinforcing its insulation. A well-maintained wall not only contributes to the aesthetics of the fade but also to the thermal comfort and safety of the building. 

Using the right tools, such as the Tivoly XT31061, allows you to de-jointing with precision and carry out a long-lasting job. This type of tool facilitates every step, from the removal of old joints to the careful filling of new ones, guaranteeing control and control of the operation. Renovating a brick wall is not just a simple aesthetic gesture: it is a long-term investment to preserve the integrity of the building, while reducing the risk of costly repairs related to water infiltration and deterioration of the bricks. 

Finally, it is recommended to carry out regular checks to monitor the condition of the joints, especially on walls exposed to the elements. Regular and proactive maintenance is the best way to preserve the strength and appearance of brick walls, allowing the building to stand the test of time.