Render or Repoint?

Clare127

Hi Everyone,

I'm just asking for some advice for anyone who has had either repointing or rendering done recently. 

We have just bought a 1950s 3-bed semi in Merseyside and it is in need of repointing. There are a lot of areas that need attention, especially near the roof. We're going back and forth on whether to repoint or to render.

I'm just after some suggestions really for anyone who has had either service recently. What sort of price would we be paying for a 3-bed semi for either service and what made you decide one way or the other? We're split on how it looks, I prefer brick while my husband prefers render so it's mostly going to come down to cost and durability really.

Thanks in advance!

Clare

stuart45

Generally I'd say repoint. Render is normally a last resort if the brickwork is too damaged. 
Have you got any photos?

Clare127

These are from the front, side and from the inside of the loft 

stuart45

Looking at the photos I'd say if it was mine I'd get it repointed. 

YBR

I'd never render a house that's not been rendered in the past. Because render can hide any issues and makes them much harder to sort out - by the time you realise the issue it's much worse and the render is now an obstruction to fixing it.

You'd have to fix everything perfectly, and render perfectly, and even then ...

GrubbyGirl_2

If I was ever looking to buy a house and it had obviously been rendered (as the attached house won't be) it would put me off buying it as I'd be wondering what they were trying to hide.  Also remember you'll just have to re point once whereas render requires ongoing maintenance, even if it's just cleaning, so while it may be a cheaper option initially it may not appear to have been such a good deal in 10/15 years time 

twopenny

With the state of that brickwork I'd definitely repoint.
Will look better and give support. Should need to be done once.

If you render it will cover it up from the outside but it will eventually crack as the house is subject to weather temperatures, then water get behind the render and you'll be repairing constantly.
Also any future purchaser will be able to see the damage from the inside.

Repoint and have it rendered later if you are keen.

EssexExile

In my 50 years of home ownership I've had a few rendered houses and a few brick faced houses, I'd take brick every time. Render is very unforgiving, any problems stick out like a sore thumb and repairing is a real pain.

Clare127

Thank you everyone for your comments! I'd definitely prefer repointing I think. Does anyone have any idea what sort of price range repointing a 3-bed semi could cost? 

plumb1_2

Personally I’d repoint everyday of the week.
Plus I wouldn’t get it done until spring, better weather. If it done in frosty conditions it will pop out over time, just after any warranty is given.
But wouldn’t hold much faith in a warranty.
My advice is if your driving about locally and see  houses that’s been repointed, knock on the door and have a chat, that’s if Mersysiders are friendly?

WIAWSNB

Hi Clare.

First, don't rush into a decision. Use the time to get some quotes and opinions from 'experts', actual plasterers - they should be equally happy to do either option.

Get quotes. Get recommendations - ask them about recent jobs, and go visit. 

And... see if there's any way to tone down that expanse of brick :-) It's nice in small dozes, but - wow - that side elevation is eye watering.

I'm going to suggest summat controversial - check out 'red brick with black mortar'. 

I remember, many many moons ago walking past a building site where they had a large pile of red bricks, and were mixing up a large batch of black mortar. Neffer seen anything like it before. Or since - until I Googled following this thread. 

I recall walking past that same site a few weeks later, and seeing what honestly surprised me - a lovely tone of brick-red and black (or charcoal). I recall thinking it looked brilliant. 

Research research research. 

If not actually black, then at least a dark grey.

Yes, that does mean a big 'non' to render :-)