Brickwork is the most visible and enduring element of most British homes. Whether it is the red brick of a Victorian terrace, the bungaroosh of a Brighton townhouse, or the clean lines of a modern extension, the quality of the bricklaying defines the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of the property. Ridge Group Contracting offers expert brickwork and masonry services across Brighton, Hove, and East Sussex. Our team of skilled bricklayers combines traditional techniques with modern construction standards to deliver work that is both beautiful and built to last.
We cover all aspects of masonry for residential and commercial projects.
The shell of your extension needs to be precise. If the brickwork is out of plumb (not vertical) or out of level, it causes headaches for every trade that follows—roofers, carpenters, and plasterers. We pride ourselves on precision. We set out the building accurately, ensuring square corners and correct dimensions. We install cavity trays, insulation, and wall ties strictly in accordance with Building Regulations to ensure your new space is warm and damp-free.
A well-built garden wall adds privacy, security, and structure to your outdoor space. We build:
Boundary Walls: Sturdy single or double-skin walls to define your property.
Retaining Walls: Engineered walls designed to hold back soil in sloping Brighton gardens. We ensure proper drainage (weep holes) and gravel backfill to prevent water pressure buildup that could collapse the wall.
Decorative Brickwork: We can incorporate features such as soldier courses, dentil work, and brick arches to add character.
Over time, the mortar between bricks weathers and crumbles. This allows water to penetrate the wall, leading to damp and frost damage (spalling). We offer professional repointing services.
Grind Out: We carefully remove the old mortar to a depth of at least 20mm using dust-extraction tools.
Repoint: We refill the joints with a fresh mortar mix. For period properties, we use lime mortar to allow the building to breathe. For modern properties, we use a weather-struck or bucket-handle cement finish for maximum durability.
Cracks in brickwork can be alarming. They can be caused by subsidence, lintel failure, or thermal expansion. We diagnose the cause and provide structural solutions. This often involves “stitching” the crack using Helibar stainless steel bars bonded into the mortar beds with resin. This reinforces the masonry without the need for rebuilding. We also replace “blown” (frost-damaged) bricks, carefully matching the colour and texture of the original brick for an invisible repair.
One of the biggest challenges in brickwork is matching new bricks to old ones. A bad match sticks out like a sore thumb. We have extensive knowledge of local brick types (e.g., Sussex Multi stocks, Gault clays). We use brick matching services and reclamation yards to source bricks that blend seamlessly with your existing property. We can also tint new mortar to match the weathered look of the existing pointing.
Brighton is unique for its widespread use of “bungaroosh”—a historic building material made of lime, flint, and brick rubble shuttered between timber. It is notoriously difficult to work with. You cannot simply drill into it or bond new brickwork to it easily. Our team understands the quirks of bungaroosh walls. We know how to stabilise them, how to repair them using compatible lime products, and how to tie new extensions into them safely.
Bricklaying is an art. It requires rhythm, consistency, and an eye for detail. Our bricklayers are time-served tradesmen who take pride in their “gauge” (the spacing of the bricks) and the cleanliness of their work. We leave the face of the brickwork clean and free of mortar snots.
For solid, precise, and attractive masonry, contact Ridge Group Contracting. We are ready to discuss your brickwork project in Brighton and Sussex today.
We provide a complete, end-to-end solution for every project. From the initial survey and planning to the final high-quality finish, our integrated team manages every detail to ensure a seamless workflow and minimal disruption to your property
Quality starts with the materials we use. We source only the highest-grade products—whether structural steel, sustainable timber, or heritage brick—ensuring durability and a finish that withstands the Sussex coastal climate
Every project is executed by fully qualified professionals. Our team combines traditional trade skills with rigorous modern construction standards, ensuring structural integrity, safety compliance, and exceptional attention to detail.
