When mortar joints found between masonry materials such as brick and stone are finished, this is known as ‘pointing,.’ While masonry materials are typically long lasting and strong when used in construction, the mortar, however, isn’t quite as indestructible and needs periodic maintenance to ensure and maintain structural integrity.
That’s pointing; but what is repointing?
To help improve a structures integrity and appearance, a masonry contractor may remove any mortar that has deteriorated or become damaged between the joints, and replace it with fresh mortar, in a process known as repointing.
While repointing is undoubtedly advantageous, it may not always be the right solution to a perceived problem with a masonry structure. To this end, it’s important to seek professional advice before assuming that repointing will remedy the problem, and certainly before attempting to carry it out yourself.
What happens during repointing?
Let’s take a closer look at the process as a whole, so that if your masonry structure requires repointing, you’ll know what to expect when the contractors arrive on site:
- Firstly, an inspection and assessment will take place
Before any work can get underway, the structure in question must be thoroughly assessed so that the masonry contractor can determine the extent of the damage, and get a better idea of exactly how much repointing may be required.
- Secondly, the right materials will be purchased
Matching the new materials to be used in the repair work with the old, is imperative for the aesthetic appeal of a structure, and your masonry contractor will try their best to find a perfect match. Additionally, the mortar used should also have a similar appearance and strength to the original mortar, so that both new and old joints can share the same amount of give. Failure to match mortars may cause stress to the structure and lead to cracks.
- Next, the old mortar is removed
The masonry contractor will carefully begin to remove the old mortar from all of the damaged joints, and once complete, they will meticulously clean each joint before they’re filled with the new mortar.
- Finally, the new mortar is applied
Beginning with the sections of the wall that have the deepest recessions, the masonry contractor will start to apply several layers of the mortar, manipulating it in such a way as to reflect the desired style and composition.
How often should you repoint your brickwork?
In general (although many variables can impact this period of time), mortar can hold up well for as long as 25 years, and the majority of buildings won’t require repointing work until after this period.
What can happen if you fail to have a masonry structure repointed?
As with many masonry issues, leaving the problem to fix itself or go away, typically results in further and more extensive damage to the structure. In some instances, moisture may even begin to seep into the walls, compromising the structural integrity of the building or wall as a whole.
Knowing whether you need repointing work from an experienced masonry contractor is usually reasonably straightforward: if you can see cracks in the mortar, gaps between the building materials, loose bricks or stone, or have detected water permeating the structure, repointing is likely required.