Draft coming from loose brickwork?

If you’ve noticed a persistent draught in your living room and traced it back to loose brickwork on your outside wall, you’re not alone. This is a common issue in UK homes, particularly in older properties, and one that’s well worth addressing before the colder months set in. Left untreated, loose brickwork doesn’t just let in cold air - it can lead to damp, structural damage, and rising heating bills.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the likely causes of your loose brickwork, the risks of leaving it too long, and how to find a qualified local bricklayer to get it fixed properly.

Why Fixing Loose Brickwork Before Winter Matters

As tempting as it might be to put off building repairs, loose brickwork is one issue that tends to get worse over time - and the winter weather won’t help. Here’s why it pays to act sooner rather than later:

• Higher heating costs: Gaps in brickwork allow cold air to infiltrate your home, forcing your heating system to work harder and increasing your energy bills.
• Increased risk of damp: Loose or damaged bricks can allow rainwater to penetrate your walls. Damp is far more costly to treat once it takes hold.
• Freeze-thaw damage: Water that enters cracks in brickwork or mortar can freeze in cold weather, expanding and causing further damage to the surrounding structure.
• Structural deterioration: Brickwork that is left in poor condition can worsen over time, potentially affecting the structural integrity of your wall.

Common Causes of Loose Brickwork

Before any repair work begins, it’s important to understand what’s causing the brickwork to loosen in the first place. There are several possible culprits, and identifying the right one will ensure the correct fix is applied.

1. Damaged Render

Render is the protective coating applied to the outside of many brick walls, particularly on older properties. When render becomes cracked or starts to peel away, it exposes the brickwork beneath to the elements. This can cause the bricks to erode more quickly than they otherwise would.

More importantly, water can become trapped between the render and the brick surface. This is where serious problems begin. Moisture caught behind the render has nowhere to go and is absorbed into the wall, which can cause significant and widespread damp issues throughout your home. You may notice signs such as peeling wallpaper, discolouration on internal walls, or a musty smell - all of which can be linked back to failing external render.

2. Deteriorating Mortar (Repointing Required)

The mortar that holds bricks together has a lifespan, and in older homes it may have begun to crack, crumble, or fall away entirely. When mortar fails, bricks lose their secure bonding and can become loose or unstable. Draughts are a telltale sign, as gaps in the mortar joints create pathways for cold air to pass through the wall.

The solution is repointing - the process of carefully removing the old, damaged mortar and replacing it with fresh mortar to restore the joint. This is a skilled job and should be carried out by an experienced bricklayer to ensure a weatherproof and long-lasting result.

3. Brick Erosion

Exposed bricks are constantly subjected to the elements - rain, frost, wind, and temperature fluctuations all take their toll over time. This gradual wearing down of the brick surface is known as erosion, and it’s particularly common in older buildings where the original bricks may not have the same protective qualities as modern alternatives.

In many cases, a degree of surface erosion is harmless. However, there are warning signs to look out for. If the hard outer ‘face’ or skin of a brick has been lost, the softer inner material is then exposed. This inner material is far more porous and susceptible to water absorption, which accelerates deterioration significantly. In these cases, the affected bricks may need to be replaced entirely.

4. Structural Settlement or Movement

In some instances, loose brickwork can be a symptom of wider structural movement or settlement in the building. This is less common but worth considering, especially if you notice cracks running diagonally or if multiple bricks in different areas are affected. If you suspect structural movement, it’s worth having a professional assess the property before any cosmetic repairs are carried out.

How to Fix a Draught Caused by Loose Brickwork

Once the cause has been identified, the appropriate repair can be planned. For loose bricks caused by failed mortar, the typical process involves the following steps:

• Assessment: A qualified bricklayer will inspect the affected area to identify all damaged or loose bricks and assess the extent of the mortar failure.
• Removal: The old, crumbling mortar surrounding the loose brick is carefully removed using a chisel or angle grinder, and the area is thoroughly cleaned.
• Replacement or repointing: Depending on the condition of the brick itself, it may be repointed with fresh mortar and reset, or replaced with a matching brick if the original is too damaged.
• Finishing: The new mortar is neatly finished to match the existing joints and sealed to prevent water ingress.

This process effectively seals the draught entry point and restores the weatherproofing of your wall.

Should I Attempt DIY Brickwork Repairs?

While some minor pointing repairs can be tackled by a confident DIYer, it is generally advisable to call in a professional bricklayer for loose brickwork. Incorrectly mixed or applied mortar can actually make the problem worse, trapping moisture or failing prematurely. A qualified tradesperson will have the right materials, tools, and experience to complete the job to a high standard — and ensure it lasts.

Find a Trusted Local Bricklayer via TrustATrader

At TrustATrader, we make it easy to find experienced, vetted bricklayers in your local area. All tradespeople listed on our platform are reviewed by real customers, so you can hire with confidence knowing you’re getting a reliable professional.

Whether you need repointing, brick replacement, render repairs, or a full structural assessment, our directory has qualified bricklayers ready to help. Don’t let a small problem become a costly one - get it sorted before winter arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to repair loose brickwork in the UK?

The cost varies depending on the extent of the damage and the number of bricks affected. Minor repointing jobs can start from around £150–£300, while more extensive work or brick replacement can cost significantly more. We recommend getting two or three quotes from local bricklayers to compare prices.

How can I tell if my brickwork needs repointing?

Signs your brickwork may need repointing include mortar that is visibly crumbling or recessed, draughts entering through external walls, damp patches inside your home, or bricks that move when pressed. A professional bricklayer can carry out an assessment if you’re unsure.

Is loose brickwork dangerous?

In most cases, a single loose brick is not immediately dangerous but should still be repaired promptly to prevent water ingress and further deterioration. If multiple bricks are loose or you notice large cracks in the wall, you should seek a professional opinion as soon as possible, as this could indicate a structural issue.

Will fixing the loose brick stop the draught?

In most cases, yes. If the draught is caused by gaps in the mortar or a loose brick, properly repointing and resetting the brick will seal the gap and stop cold air from coming through. Your bricklayer will advise if there are any other contributing factors.

Ready to get your brickwork fixed? Find a trusted local bricklayer on TrustATrader today.