Re-pointing / Double Glazing

Plasticman

I need to get the brickwork on my house repointed (some places where the mortar is almost non-existent!!) and also plan to have the house double glazed. Somebody told me that we should have the pointing done first as it could make a mess of the new windows, then somebody else suggested double glazing first in case they damage the brick work!! Any views out there on which should come first? References to chickens and eggs welcome but not essential!

Thanks.

Doozergirl

I'd put the windows in first.

We certainly put windows in before plastering inside or rendering out as you can cause small bits of damage. You don't want to call someone back out to sort out your pointing again when it only takes a wet cloth to wash wet mortar off a window.

ukwoody

Yep, I agree, I would do windows first as well. It's quite common for brickwork to get a bit damaged when new windows are being fitted, so that can then just be incorperated into the repointing if ness. A good brickie or even experienced labourer shouldn't get much on the window frames at all, and if you're worried, put masking tape on them by the edge (but remove same day!).
Woody

Plasticman

Thanks folks - sounds like the windows will be first then!

BTB1_2

Well I don't want to be a fly in the ointment but I wouldn't dream of re-pointing after the windows have been fitted.

Re-pointing involves angle grinders (which causes a lot of abrasive dust, not to mention cleaning down after (sometimes involving a mild acid).

If a brick got damaged whilst fitting new windows (very rare with good fitters and modern fixings) it is a relatively minor job to replace it.

I have been in the building trade for 25+ years and have never seen windows fitted before re-pointing.

Obviously, totally your choice at the end of day.

If you need any more info just ask

BTB

Plasticman

Doh, I knew it was too good to be true

Anybody else have a view?

BTB1_2

Just to add a bit of back up to the argument...

Think about the renovation schemes on council estates, firstly the scaffold goes up, next they grind out and re-point, next they chemically clean the brickwork (sometimes done before the pointing, finally they fit the replacement windows.

Tried and tested on many thousand houses.

:rolleyes:

Plasticman

BTB1 wrote: »

Just to add a bit of back up to the argument...

Think about the renovation schemes on council estates, firstly the scaffold goes up, next they grind out and re-point, next they chemically clean the brickwork (sometimes done before the pointing, finally they fit the replacement windows.

Tried and tested on many thousand houses.

:rolleyes:

Point noted - and I bow to the expert Now the hard part, finding somebody to do the work to a good quality and reasonable cost!

BTB1_2

Well thats the tricky bit :rotfl:

Only tips I can offer is to make sure the window suppliers/fitters are FENSA registered, otherwise you will need to submit a building regs application.

With regard to the pointing, ask them what depth they grind out to. The answer should be a minmum of 20mm. Anything less and it can start poppig out with a harsh frost.

Best of luck.

Plasticman

BTB1 wrote: »

Well thats the tricky bit :rotfl:

Only tips I can offer is to make sure the window suppliers/fitters are FENSA registered, otherwise you will need to submit a building regs application.

With regard to the pointing, ask them what depth they grind out to. The answer should be a minmum of 20mm. Anything less and it can start poppig out with a harsh frost.

Best of luck.

Thanks. I know some decent window companies so no problem there. For the pointing, they won't have much grinding out to do in places cos more than 20mm of mortar is already missing!!

woodbutcher_2

Also been in the building trade over 30 years and BTB1 is spot on.Nothing more to add.