You're considering protecting the brickwork on your home.
The wall is exposed to years of British weather, some of the mortar joints look tired, and you're thinking about applying a breathable masonry protection treatment such as ProPERLA Masonry Crème.
But there's an important question to answer first:
Should the wall be repointed before it's protected?
Sometimes, yes.
But that doesn't necessarily mean every mortar joint on the elevation needs removing and replacing.
The better approach is to assess the condition of the masonry first.
Some walls need extensive repointing.
Others only need localised repairs.
And some have perfectly serviceable mortar that doesn't need disturbing at all.
The principle we work to is straightforward:
Assess → Repair → Cure → Prepare → Protect.
Masonry protection should be the finishing stage of a properly prepared wall—not a substitute for repairing defects.
🧱 What Is The Purpose Of Pointing?
The mortar joints between bricks aren't simply there to make the wall look tidy.
Mortar forms an important part of the masonry construction.
Depending on the building, it helps:
- Create the masonry bond
- Accommodate movement
- Manage weather exposure
- Protect the edges of masonry units
- Influence how moisture behaves within the wall
Over decades of exposure to rain, frost, wind and temperature changes, mortar can gradually weather.
But weathered doesn't automatically mean failed.
That's an important distinction.
🔍 Does Every Old Wall Need Repointing?
No.
We don't recommend repointing a complete elevation simply because the property is old.
A mortar joint can look aged while still remaining perfectly serviceable.
During an assessment, we'd be more interested in questions such as:
- Is mortar missing?
- Is it badly eroded?
- Are there open joints?
- Is it loose or friable?
- Are cracks present?
- Is water able to enter through defects?
- Have inappropriate previous repairs been carried out?
- Is the mortar compatible with the masonry?
The condition of the wall should determine the repair—not its age.
🧱 What Does Failed Pointing Look Like?
There isn't one universal appearance, but potential signs can include:
- Deeply recessed joints
- Missing sections of mortar
- Cracking
- Loose mortar
- Open joints
- Significant erosion
- Localised deterioration around vulnerable areas
Some deterioration may affect an entire elevation.
Other walls may only have a handful of defective areas.
That's why assessment comes before deciding whether complete repointing is justified.
🌧️ Why Does Defective Pointing Matter?
External masonry is exposed to wind-driven rain.
When mortar joints are open, cracked or missing, they can provide additional pathways for rainwater into the wall.
During prolonged or wind-driven rainfall, this can contribute to increased saturation of the masonry.
That doesn't mean every damp wall is caused by pointing.
Other defects may include:
- Cracked bricks
- Damaged render
- Window details
- Sills
- Gutters
- Downpipes
- Roof junctions
- Service penetrations
- Cavity bridging
The external wall needs assessing as a complete system.
💧 Why Can't You Just Apply Masonry Protection Over Bad Pointing?
Because masonry protection isn't structural repair.
Imagine a mortar joint contains a large open crack.
Applying a water-repellent treatment doesn't rebuild that joint.
Likewise, it doesn't replace missing mortar or repair a damaged brick.
ProPERLA's own preparation guidance states that damaged or missing mortar and cracking should be checked and repaired before Masonry Crème is applied, with repaired mortar then allowed to completely cure.
That's why we prefer:
Repair first. Protect second.
🔨 Should You Repoint The Entire Wall?
Not automatically.
This is where a proper assessment can potentially save unnecessary work.
Imagine an elevation where 90% of the mortar remains serviceable but a few exposed sections have deteriorated.
Removing sound mortar across the entire wall may offer little benefit.
Localised repointing might be the more appropriate intervention.
On another property, however, deterioration may be widespread enough that complete repointing is justified.
The decision should be based on the condition of the wall, rather than automatically specifying the same solution for every house.
🧱 Why Removing Good Mortar Can Be Counterproductive
Repointing involves removing existing mortar from the joints.
That work needs to be carried out carefully.
Aggressive removal techniques can potentially damage the edges—or arrises—of bricks.
This is particularly important with older or softer masonry.
If the existing mortar is sound, compatible and functioning correctly, there needs to be a good reason to remove it.
More work doesn't automatically mean better work.
🏚️ Older Brickwork Needs Particular Care
Many older properties around Chesterfield contain masonry that has already experienced decades of weathering and previous repairs.
We may find:
- Original mortar
- Later cement repairs
- Replacement bricks
- Patched pointing
- Historic alterations
- Different masonry types on the same elevation
This means we shouldn't assume the entire wall should receive one generic repair specification.
Understanding the existing construction is important.
🧱 Why Does Mortar Compatibility Matter?
The replacement mortar should be appropriate for the masonry and building.
This becomes particularly important with older properties.
Using an unnecessarily hard or incompatible mortar against softer masonry can change how the wall accommodates moisture and movement.
Rather than simply asking:
"Does this wall need repointing?"
we should also ask:
"What should it be repointed with?"
The answer depends on the existing building.
⚠️ Harder Isn't Always Better
It can be tempting to assume that the strongest possible mortar must be the best repair.
But masonry doesn't work like that.
The mortar and masonry need to function together.
Inappropriate dense repairs can sometimes result in the surrounding brick or stone becoming the more vulnerable component.
This is why older and traditional buildings deserve an appropriate repair specification rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
🧱 What About Cracked Bricks?
Cracked or damaged masonry should also be considered before applying protection.
We need to establish:
- How extensive the damage is
- Whether the crack is active
- Whether movement is suspected
- Whether the masonry requires repair or replacement
A masonry treatment isn't designed to hold a structurally cracked wall together.
If cracking requires further investigation, that should happen before protection is applied.
🏠 What About Spalled Bricks?
Spalling occurs when the face of a brick deteriorates or breaks away.
It can be associated with several factors, including repeated moisture and freeze-thaw exposure.
If bricks are significantly deteriorated, simply treating over them isn't necessarily the correct approach.
The wall should first be assessed to determine whether damaged masonry needs repair or replacement.
Once again:
Protection follows repair.
🌧️ Why Does Wind-Driven Rain Matter?
Rain doesn't always fall vertically.
Wind can drive rain directly against exposed elevations.
Certain walls therefore experience considerably more weather exposure than others.
This is why one elevation may deteriorate faster than another on the same house.
Factors include:
- Orientation
- Local exposure
- Shelter
- Wind direction
- Building height
- Surrounding properties
- Trees and landscape
A heavily exposed wall may benefit from additional protection once its underlying defects have been repaired.
🧱 Why Does Porosity Matter?
Brick, stone and mortar are porous materials.
Their pore structure allows them to absorb and release moisture.
Different masonry materials have different absorption characteristics.
That's one reason substrate assessment is important before specifying a masonry treatment.
ProPERLA Masonry Crème is intended for absorbent mineral substrates including brick, stone, concrete and sandstone. The manufacturer describes it as a penetrating treatment that chemically bonds to the mineral surface rather than simply creating a conventional surface film.
💦 What Does Super-Hydrophobic Mean?
A hydrophobic surface repels water.
A super-hydrophobic surface takes this effect further, causing liquid water to bead rather than readily wet the treated surface.
ProPERLA describes its Masonry Crème as super-hydrophobic and states that it can penetrate up to 17 mm into suitable mineral substrates.
The objective is to substantially reduce the amount of rainwater absorbed by the masonry.
📊 How Much Can ProPERLA Reduce Water Absorption?
According to ProPERLA's published product information, independent testing demonstrated a reduction in water absorption of up to 96.3%.
It's important to frame that correctly.
That's a manufacturer-published test result.
It doesn't mean every wall on every property will experience precisely a 96.3% reduction under all real-world conditions.
Actual performance depends on factors including:
- Substrate
- Preparation
- Application
- Existing defects
- Exposure
- Condition of the masonry
Good preparation remains essential.
🌬️ But Shouldn't Old Walls Be Allowed To Breathe?
Yes—which is why vapour permeability matters.
Reducing liquid water absorption from outside isn't the same thing as completely sealing the wall against water vapour movement.
ProPERLA reports that Masonry Crème has undergone water-vapour testing to BS EN ISO 7783 and BS EN ISO 12572, and describes the treatment as highly breathable.
That distinction is particularly important when considering older masonry.
The aim is not simply:
"Seal everything."
Instead, we're looking to reduce rainwater absorption while retaining appropriate vapour movement through the masonry.
🧱 Masonry Crème Isn't The Same As Waterproof Paint
This distinction is worth making.
Some coatings create a film across the surface.
ProPERLA describes Masonry Crème differently: it impregnates suitable mineral masonry and chemically bonds within the substrate while retaining high vapour permeability.
That's why we prefer the term:
Breathable masonry protection
rather than treating every exterior product as simply "waterproof paint."
🔨 So When Should Repointing Be Done?
Before the masonry protection.
If assessment identifies defective joints, those repairs should be completed first.
ProPERLA's application specification specifically instructs installers to check for:
- Damaged mortar
- Missing mortar
- Cracking
and repair those areas using a suitable repair system before application.
This provides the protective treatment with a properly prepared substrate rather than attempting to disguise defects underneath it.
⏳ Can ProPERLA Be Applied Immediately After Repointing?
No—not simply because the repointing looks dry on the surface.
Fresh mortar needs to cure appropriately.
ProPERLA's own application specification says repaired mortar should be allowed to completely cure before Masonry Crème is applied.
This is an important distinction between:
Surface dry
and
Properly cured.
📅 How Long Should New Pointing Cure?
There isn't one arbitrary number of days that we should apply to every wall.
Curing can depend on factors such as:
- Mortar type
- Repair depth
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Rain exposure
- Wind
- Substrate
- Time of year
The correct approach is to allow the repair mortar to cure appropriately for the product and conditions involved.
ProPERLA's guidance requires the mortar to be completely cured rather than giving homeowners a universal "wait X days" rule.
☀️ Why Weather Conditions Matter During Application
External coatings and impregnations are affected by application conditions.
ProPERLA's published Masonry Crème specification gives a minimum application temperature of 5°C and a maximum relative humidity of 80%.
The wall also needs appropriate preparation and drying.
This is why professional application involves more than arriving and immediately coating the brickwork.
🧹 Does The Wall Need Cleaning First?
Preparation is an important part of the system.
External masonry can accumulate:
- Dirt
- Atmospheric contamination
- Moss
- Algae
- Lichen
- Organic growth
ProPERLA's specification recommends low-pressure washing to remove contamination and organic growth before allowing the surface to dry. It also specifies additional cleaning treatment where moss, mould or fungal growth has been present.
Again, application is the final stage—not the first.
🌿 Why Should Moss And Algae Be Removed?
Organic growth can indicate that an elevation remains damp for prolonged periods.
It can also interfere with preparation.
Rather than simply covering it, we want to understand:
- Why is this elevation staying wet?
- Is it heavily shaded?
- Is rainwater running down it?
- Are gutters overflowing?
- Is vegetation restricting drying?
- Is the masonry particularly absorbent?
Cleaning forms part of preparation, but the building should still be assessed for defects.
🌧️ What If The Wall Is Already Suffering From Penetrating Damp?
This is where diagnosis matters.
If rainwater is being absorbed through porous masonry, a breathable water-repellent treatment may form part of an appropriate solution.
ProPERLA lists helping to prevent penetrating damp among the applications of Masonry Crème.
But suppose the actual problem is:
A leaking gutter.
A cracked downpipe.
Missing pointing.
A failed window seal.
A major structural crack.
Masonry protection shouldn't be used to avoid repairing those defects.
🧱 What If The Pointing Is Causing The Damp?
If open or severely deteriorated joints are allowing increased rainwater entry, repairing those joints may be the first priority.
Sometimes that repair alone may substantially improve the wall's performance.
Protection can then be considered based on:
- Exposure
- Masonry porosity
- Previous moisture problems
- Building type
- Client objectives
Not every wall automatically requires an additional treatment.
🔍 How Do We Decide Whether The Whole Wall Needs Repointing?
We look at the distribution and severity of deterioration.
For example:
Localised deterioration
A handful of defective joints may justify local repairs.
Repeated isolated defects
Several areas may require targeted repointing.
Widespread erosion
More extensive repointing may be appropriate.
Incompatible previous repairs
Further consideration may be needed before simply adding more mortar.
Structural cracking
This may require investigation beyond routine repointing.
The specification should match the wall.
🏚️ What About Historic Or Traditional Buildings?
Extra care may be needed.
Older buildings can contain:
- Softer bricks
- Stone
- Traditional mortars
- Solid wall construction
- Previous incompatible repairs
Appropriate materials and techniques matter.
Listed buildings and properties in conservation areas may also have additional planning or heritage considerations.
A modern masonry treatment shouldn't automatically be specified simply because the wall is old and exposed.
Suitability should be established first.
🎨 What If The Brickwork Has Already Been Painted?
This matters because not every ProPERLA product is intended for the same substrate.
ProPERLA states that Masonry Crème and Water Repellent are for untreated absorbent surfaces, whereas its Exterior Façade Coating can be used over previously painted surfaces where appropriate.
So if a wall has already been painted, the answer isn't simply to put Masonry Crème over it.
The existing finish and substrate need to be assessed and the appropriate system selected.
🧂 What About Efflorescence?
Efflorescence is the familiar white crystalline salt deposit sometimes visible on masonry.
It occurs when soluble salts are transported in solution and deposited as moisture evaporates.
If significant efflorescence is present, we should consider:
Where is the moisture coming from?
ProPERLA reports that reducing external water absorption can help reduce the cycle of salt migration associated with rainwater wetting, while its case-study guidance also makes the important point that if the moisture source isn't addressed, efflorescence can continue.
That principle is exactly right:
Don't protect over an unexplained moisture source.
❄️ Can Keeping Masonry Drier Help With Weathering?
Reducing repeated saturation can potentially reduce some of the stresses associated with weather exposure.
ProPERLA lists protection against weathering, frost damage and rainwater absorption among the benefits of its Masonry Crème system.
But again, treatment doesn't reverse existing physical damage.
A badly spalled brick needs assessing.
A missing mortar joint needs repairing.
Protection is about helping preserve an appropriately prepared substrate.
🛡️ How Long Does ProPERLA Masonry Crème Last?
ProPERLA currently advertises a 20-year manufacturer's guarantee for Masonry Crème and states that accelerated weathering testing demonstrated performance over a simulated 25-year period.
As with any system, correct substrate preparation and application are important to achieving intended performance.
🔍 How We Assess A Wall Before Masonry Protection
At Weather Wise Solutions Limited, the assessment may include:
- Brick condition
- Mortar condition
- Open joints
- Cracking
- Spalling
- Previous repairs
- Existing coatings
- Render
- Window details
- Sills
- Gutters
- Downpipes
- Service penetrations
- Exposure
- Signs of penetrating damp
- Efflorescence
- Organic growth
- Substrate suitability
Then we can decide whether the wall needs:
No repointing
Localised repointing
or
More extensive repointing
before protection is considered.
🧱 Why Preparation Is More Important Than Simply Applying The Product
Homeowners understandably focus on the final coating.
But much of the quality of a masonry-protection job comes from what happens before the product is opened.
A professional specification should answer:
Is the masonry suitable?
Are there defects?
Does the pointing need repairing?
Has the mortar cured?
Is the surface clean?
Is it appropriately dry?
Are the weather conditions suitable?
Only then do we move to application.
🛡️ Why We Use ProPERLA
For suitable masonry, ProPERLA Masonry Crème provides an interesting combination.
According to the manufacturer's published technical information, it is:
- Super-hydrophobic
- Highly breathable
- Clear when cured
- Suitable for mineral substrates including brick, stone, concrete and sandstone
- A one-coat system
- Capable of penetrating up to 17mm
- Independently tested for water absorption and vapour performance
- Supplied with a 20-year manufacturer's guarantee
Weather Wise Solutions works with ProPERLA as an approved/partner installer, allowing us to combine external masonry repairs with a suitable protective specification where appropriate.
You can learn more about the manufacturer and its masonry protection systems directly from ProPERLA.
🎓 Damp Diagnosis Still Matters
External masonry protection can be extremely useful when correctly specified.
But it shouldn't become the answer to every damp wall.
Before recommending treatment, we still need to distinguish between potential causes such as:
- Penetrating rainwater
- Condensation
- Plumbing leaks
- High ground levels
- DPC bridging
- Cavity bridging
- Defective rainwater goods
Our surveying team includes professionals holding industry-recognised qualifications including the Level 3 Award in Damp, Mould and Condensation in Buildings (L3 Award DMCB), the Certified Surveyor of Timber & Dampness in Buildings (CSTDB) and the City & Guilds-recognised Federation of Damp Certified Surveyor (FODCS) qualification.
That diagnostic approach helps ensure we're protecting the correct wall for the correct reason.
🏡 So Should You Repoint Before Applying Masonry Protection?
If the pointing is defective, yes—it should be appropriately repaired first.
But that doesn't automatically mean stripping out every mortar joint on the elevation.
Sound mortar may not need replacing.
The correct sequence is:
1. Assess the masonry
Determine its condition and suitability.
2. Identify defects
Look for missing mortar, cracking, spalling and other weaknesses.
3. Repair what's required
Use an appropriate repair specification.
4. Allow repairs to cure
Don't rush directly from fresh pointing into treatment.
5. Prepare the surface
Clean and allow the masonry to reach suitable application conditions.
6. Apply the appropriate protection
Only once the substrate is properly prepared.
Repair → Cure → Prepare → Protect.
That's a far better approach than trying to use masonry protection to cover defects that should have been repaired first.
📞 Repointing & Masonry Protection In Chesterfield
If your brickwork is weathered, absorbing rain or showing signs of deteriorating mortar, Weather Wise Solutions Limited can assess whether repairs are required before considering breathable masonry protection.
Our services include:
- Repointing
- Localised mortar repairs
- Brick repairs
- Render repairs
- Penetrating damp investigations
- External wall assessments
- ProPERLA Masonry Crème
- Breathable masonry protection
- Damp investigations
We're proud members of the Damp Proofing Association and Federation of Damp, and our surveying team includes professionals holding qualifications including L3 Award DMCB, CSTDB and the City & Guilds-recognised FODCS qualification.
Don't hide defective masonry beneath a treatment. Repair the wall first—then protect it.