Victorian or old properties were built using certain materials and methods, but in recent times building methods and materials have changed. These new methods have not stood the test of time, and when restoring a Victorian house, it is always best to use the same materials that the house was originally built with. Cement mortar on Victorian properties will stop the house from breathing naturally, make the bricks spall, and the faces fall off and damage the bricks. Cement mortar should not be used on any old property at any time.