Lime Repointing in Adelaide

What lime repointing in Adelaide actually involves

The guide's checklist says: don’t use hard cement mortar to repoint failed lime mortar joints — that will just drive the damp further up the wall and may also damage the bricks.

What the surveys describe

South Australian heritage surveys describe pointing as a feature of old masonry. The survey of Kensington and Norwood describes the property on George Street, Norwood, as built of selected coursed random-rubble bluestone, lined pointing and rendered quoins, frieze and brackets on the front wall. Random rubble bluestone with coarse pointing is used in the side walls A survey item is a description of one house at survey time, not advice on any wall.

Ask the provider what the mortar will be, how the existing joints are removed, and whether the new pointing will match the old.

Lime Repointing in Adelaide — common questions

Can failed lime joints be repointed in cement?

don’t use hard cement mortar to repoint failed lime mortar joints — that will just drive the damp further up the wall and may also damage the bricks.

Do surveys mention pointing?

Yes. The Kensington and Norwood survey describes the property on George Street, Norwood, with lined pointing on the front wall and coarse pointing on the side walls.

Is repointing a heritage approval matter?

The State's guide lists masonry and plaster, re-pointing, underpinning, among the work that typically needs development approval at a State Heritage Place or Area. Ask your council what applies to your property.