Repointing in Royton

Royton is mostly brick — terraces around the centre and Rochdale Road, then 1930s and post-war semis spreading out from there. Cement repointing is right for the majority of it. Frost damage on north-facing gables is common; we cut out spalled bricks and replace them before repointing so the repair doesn't show.

The terraces around Rochdale Road, Middleton Road and the centre were mostly built in Accrington or common red brick with lime joints, and a good many were repointed in hard cement in the 70s. The brick has suffered for it: spalled faces, particularly on north-facing gables towards Shaw, and joints that look sound but sound hollow when tapped. We cut out and replace the damaged bricks, rake the cement back and repoint in a mortar that suits the brick, struck to match the rest of the terrace.

Higher Crompton and the streets up towards Tandle Hill are more exposed and some of the older houses are stone — we check before quoting whether the pointing should be lime.

The 1930s and post-war semis around Thornham, Holden Fold and Salmon Fields are cement-mortar cavity walls and straightforward to repoint. Royton is a ten-minute drive from our base, so single chimneys and garden walls are easy to fit in.