The walls of your home also deserve regular inspection. Watch for cracks, dampness, and missing mortar between bricks. The combined effect of wind, rain, and frost may loosen the mortar or other sealants that keep your wall watertight. If this loosening has occurred, you will have to make the necessary repairs.

On a regular basis, thoroughly examine the woodwork of your house. Prod the lower parts of the doors, their jambs, and the windowsills to find out if they are rotting. If the affected area is large, you may be able to cut it out and replace it with sound wood. It may be possible to treat a small rotted area with a wood preservative that contains a fungicide.

Dry rot develops in damp, poorly ventilated areas indoors. It has the ability to spread, even through plaster, mortar, and brick. Eradication of dry rot calls for prompt, expert attention. Better still, prevent it from ever taking root by ensuring good ventilation throughout your house.

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REPAIRING BRICK OR BLOCK WALLS

Repointing (Repairing Mortar Joints)

◼ Use a chisel and a hammer to remove the loose mortar to a depth of about 1/2 inch [1 cm].

◼ Brush area to be repointed with a stiff wire brush to remove loose bits of mortar and dust.

◼ Mix the mortar but no more than can be used before it sets up.

◼ Dampen the bricks and underlying mortar with water.

◼ Force mortar into the gaps between the bricks with a pointing trowel.

◼ After the mortar has dried, but before it has fully hardened, with a dry stiff brush, clean off any mortar smeared on the brick.

Resurfacing

◼ Chip away cracked or loose plaster or concrete.

◼ Wet the wall.

◼ Spread new mortar on the wall with a trowel.

◼ Allow the mortar to harden somewhat.

◼ Score the surface to help secure the final coat of mortar.

◼ Apply a final coat of mortar.

◼ To level the surface, draw a wooden batten across this wet mortar using a sawing motion.