Repointing and pointing brickwork and stonework can be a extremely time consuming task and although it might look easy it takes a little experience and persistence to get a finish that compliments the brickwork to its complete capacity.
We would suggest looking for the services of regional brickwork professionals with the experience and professionalism to achieve the very best outcome. If you want to go down the DIY path, we have actually consisted of a fast guide listed below to instruct you on how to go about repointing your brickwork.
You will need to eliminate any mortar that is loose or damaged. There are lots of methods readily available for removing the old mortar, one of which can be attained using a plugging sculpt or small bolster. Really loose stuff can just be raked out with a screwdriver or similar. This can be time consuming and there are other methods and tools that can make this job simpler.
We would encourage to take the joints to 10mm minimum and then follow up by utilizing a wire brush to eliminate any loose dust.
Blending the ideal mortar for the job is important to the application and completion result.
The mortar mixture can be made from straight cement: fine sand mixture using 1 to 6 ratio. At this moment you can include dry hydrate which provides the mix less propensity to diminish during setting and will also aid in dealing with the mortar mix. If you want to add dry hydrate, you would need to work on the ratio of cement 1 dry hydrate 1 fine sand 6. There are mortar dyes available if you are trying to match an existing pointing
When working the mix into the joints we advise wetting the joints so regarding minimalise the absorption of moisture into the bricks.
Using the edge of the trowel, press the mortar into the joint leaving the mortar extending from the brickwork/stonework.
From the mortar left extending the bricks, there are a number of various designs you can apply to the mortar.
Flush pointing
This style of pointing is as the name discusses and sits flush with the face of the brickwork, which is produced by cleaning over the finished pointing with the trowel.
Weathered pointing
In weathered pointing the mortar slopes outward from the upper brick to the one listed below. This pointing approach is suitable for all brickwork, and as the name explains this technique of pointing is finest fit for bad weather. To attain this finish you need to finish the flush pointing technique to eliminate any excess mortar and after that using the edge of the trowel, press in the upper edges producing a slope in the mortar. Mortar will most probably extend the brickwork at the bottom of the slope and can be cut flush utilizing the trowel edge. To create a smooth finish you can utilize a smooth strip of metal bent at the end and run across the mortar, additionally you can purchase a tool called a frenchman. Right before the mortar completely dries, lightly brush it across its leading to brush away any odd scraps of mortar.
Bucket manage/ Half round pointing
Fill the joint flush with the surface area based on the flush pointing method above, then strike the joint to accomplish the desired finish. There is a shaped tool offered, called a brick jointer, but it can be finished with the rounded end of a tube and then moved throughout the mortar when still wet. Utilizing this tool, tend to the vertical joints before making long, continuous joints along the horizontal joints.
Raked pointing
This finish resembles bucket handle pointing, however is a much deeper hollow finish without the curve. Raked pointing is inappropriate for exposed walls, since the angles are not suitable to deflect rain. Using a unique tool called a chariot, run along the wet mortar. As in the pail manage pointing, rake out the vertical joints first and then make long, continuous strokes along the horizontal.
'V' joint pointing.
Once again comparable to the hollow pointing finish. This technique differs by producing a definite line in the middle of the mortar joint. This design of pointing compliments new brickwork and again allows rain to easily run the face of your brickwork.
At this point you can add dry hydrate which gives the mix less tendency to shrink during setting and will also help in working with the mortar mix. There are mortar dyes offered if you footingsdirect.co.uk/brickwork-colchester/ are trying to match an existing pointing
In weathered pointing the mortar slopes external from the upper brick to the one listed below. To achieve this finish you require to complete the flush pointing method to get rid of any excess mortar and then using the edge of the trowel, press in the upper edges producing a slope in the mortar. Fill the joint flush with the surface area as per the flush pointing method above, then strike the joint to attain the preferred surface.