Brickwork - do these gaps in mortar look normal? All manner of questions and solutions to problems and issues surrounding the subject of brickwork, blockwork and stonework

[baward]

Hello,

I noticed the other day that there are quite sizeable gaps in the mortar between the bricks at the bottom of the wall (see attached photo). Is this anything to worry about? Coud it be ants or some other insect?
Thanks.

[stoneyboy]

Hi baward,
It looks very much as though the person mixing the mortar lost count of the number of shovels of sand. Try rubbing the mortar with your finger nail, if it loosens mortar then a weak mix is the issue. Raking out and repointing with the correct mortar mix is the solution.
Regards S

[baward]

Thank you for the reply, stoneyboy. I will look into getting someone to repoint it if necessary. Do you think it poses any danger at the moment?

[stoneyboy]

Hi bayward,
At the moment your image shows a stable wall and none of the bricks look like they have become loose. Just get it repointed - make sure the existing mortar is racked out to about 20mm and blown clean - and the problem will be solved.
Regards S

[baward]

Fantastic, thank you very much :-)