Words can only say so much about brickwork. Photos show the difference. This collection brings together cleaning, paint removal, pebble dash removal and repointing jobs from homes across South London. Each set shows the wall at the start and the finish, with a short note on the problem and how we dealt with it. It also explains what a good result looks like, so you know what to expect on your own house.
Brick Cleaning Results
Years of traffic grime, soot and algae turn London stock brick grey or black. A careful clean brings back the warm yellows, reds and browns underneath. Look for an even colour across the whole wall, crisp joints and brick faces that are still intact.
Old brick still looks old after cleaning, with its natural marks and variation. That is part of its character, and it is what most owners of period houses want.
Find out more about our brick cleaning service.
Paint Removal Results
Paint hides brick, traps damp and peels over time. Stripping it back shows the original brickwork, often for the first time in decades. A good result removes the paint from the brick face and the joints without scarring the surface.
Some walls show old repairs, patches or damaged bricks once the paint is off. Those are easy to fix at the same time.
Find out more about our paint removal service.
Pebble Dash and Render Removal Results
Many South London houses had pebble dash or render added in the 20th century. Taking it off can return a house to its original look and let the brick breathe again.
Every wall is different underneath. Some bricks come out in good shape. Others carry hacking marks or old damage and need repairs or repointing. The finish in each photo set includes that work.
Find out more about our pebble dash removal and render removal service.
Repointing Results
Fresh pointing changes how a whole wall looks. Worn, recessed joints make brickwork look tired, and patchy cement repairs make it look uneven. New pointing in a mortar matched to the brick makes the wall look sharp and sound again.
Find out more about our pointing and repointing service.
Brick Repair Results
Cracked, flaking and missing bricks spoil a wall and let water in. A good repair uses bricks that match the old ones in size, colour and texture, so the new work blends in.
Find out more about our brickwork repair and restoration service.
What a Good Result Looks Like
When you compare photos from any contractor, check these points.
- Even colour. There are no blotches, tide marks or patches that look cleaner than the rest.
- Intact brick faces. The surface is smooth, not pitted or sandy. Pitting suggests harsh blasting or high pressure.
- Sound joints. The mortar is still in the joints and not washed out.
- No streaks. There are no white or brown runs from cleaning products.
- Matching repairs. New bricks and mortar blend in with the old.
- Clean surroundings. Windows, sills and paving are left clean.
What to Expect on Your Own House
Every wall starts in a different place, so results vary. A few things hold true on most South London jobs.
- Old brick keeps its age. Cleaning brings back the colour, but it won’t make 120-year-old brick look new.
- Hidden problems show up. Removing paint, pebble dash or dirt often reveals joints or bricks that need work. We tell you before we go further.
- A trial patch helps. On cleaning and paint removal jobs, a small test area shows the likely result before anyone starts on the whole wall.
