weak mortar

[k137]

I just wanted to share the bad experience we are having with our new house built by Bouygues and developed by Catalyst.
The house is built with weak mortar and the brickwork is appalling. We have visible holes in the joints and when I run my finger through a joint sand comes off. On top of that in places there is no joint between the bricks.

There are colour differences in the mortar, damaged bricks, bad pointing smeared over the bricks and different sizes joints - 0mm to 22mm. Unfortunately, the contractors are refusing to repoint. They only will repoint the affected areas.

Is there something I can do to make them repoint the house?

Thank you

[New Home Expert]

You state the "contractors" are refusing.
Whoever took out the warrantyis responsible for dealing with this issue.  It may be Catalyst.

As it would seem they will probably both refuse to do anything, your only option now would be to contact your warranty provider.

From what you say in your post, I very much doubt a warranty claim would be refused and, at the very least the brickwork should be raked out to a depth of 25mm and repointed using 1:3 or 1:4 sand : cement mortar.

I also envisage the weak mortar problem not being to just your home but throughout the development and the cost of remedial  works throughout the development could well bankrupt either the contractor responsible or the developer liable.
In addition, this being the case the warranty provider may also attempt to deflect and wriggle to avoid any responsibility as the claim could be very expensive.

You might find my articles on weak mortar on my blog website worth a read.
From the experience of others, you may have a long fight on your hands.

[k137]

Thank you for your advice.