The A to Z of Brick Repointing
Repointing or pointing is the process of renewing the pointing that is the external portion of the mortar joints, in the masonry construction. Repointing has a host of advantages and is worth doing it. It is seen that weathering and decay result in voids in joints in many of the old structures or buildings in London, especially in bricks between the masonry units, permitting undesirable entry of water, which can cause massive damage through salt deposition and dissolution and frost weathering. With the use and aging of a building there is deterioration in the pointing element. Thus through the process of brick pointing for London buildings or structures can be saved.
When Should Repointing Be Done?
If open joints are detected surrounding the mortar bed, repointing should be done. Though the materials used are not a very expensive but certainly a laborious task and hiring a builder to do it can be pricy. Moreover, it is difficult to find a tradesperson who can do minor Brick repairs surrey. For all these reasons many people undertake the job themselves. This too requires the need to hire a head for the heights and scaffolding.
Important Aspects Related to Repointing:
Mortar is a substance which is used to fill irregularities on bedding faces in the brick blocks. This material is softer than bricks and hence with time it shows decay signs and then a brick wall requires to be repointed. Repairing the outer part of the mortar joint is repointing and a good task lasts about 60 years.
Types of Mortar:
Lime Mortar: The advantages of using this mortar is it is not susceptible to the sulphate and salt attack and an array of shades and textures can be obtained by using it.
Cement Mortar: This type of mortar is more expensive than the lime mortars but for being harder, less porous and more brittle weathers much slowly than bricks.
Materials and Tools for Brick Cleaning and Brick Pointing London Buildings:
Cement mixer
Pointing trowel
Chisel
Scaffolding
Wire brush
Lime
Sand
White cement
Mortar board
Soft brush
Wall Repointing Process:
Repointing being a messy job grass and flower beds are covered with plastic sheets before beginning the task. The work ranges from plastered-on-the-top to the semi-recessed. Growing creepers on old buildings should be clasped before the work commences.
The old pointing loose material is removed carefully with chisel without disturbing the old mortar.
The dust left behind in the gaps should be brushed before beginning the process of repointing.
To maintain the colour consistency of the mortar throughout the work it is essential to do the mixing of the mortar carefully. To achieve this successfully, three buckets each of building yellow sand, a bucket of the lime and quarter of a bucket of the white cement should be all levelled off.
The process of repointing begins from the top and moves downwards.
After two to three courses are filled up, in between the vertical joints are filled up too. The mortar is permitted to overlap the joints and at this point more attempt to neaten it should be done.
After completion of the bottom, say about half metre of wall, the topmost part is started. The drying of the mortar depends on the house position in respect to the sun.
With the help of a wire brush the excess mortar is scraped off and is advisable to leave the face joint which is lower than that of the wall face.
Though the work of repointing can be done by any person without professional help, it is recommended to employ professional services or brick pointing contractors for the best results.
