To repoint a brick wall, you must first remove a part of the crumbling mortar and then replace it with fresh mortar. Repointing prevents further water infiltration through the mortar and behind the brick wall. This, in turn, stops the mortar from cracking or the bricks from bulging and protects the wall (or any piece of it) from collapsing.
Bricks need to adhere to one another using mortar to produce a strong and durable structure. It starts as a pliable and flexible material, but it starts to get more rigid to support the growing brickwork structure, progressively becoming solid over time.
We’ll go through mortar’s constituents and explain its purpose, design, and how it works in conjunction with the bricks that were originally used to construct the building.
Since mortar is an essential element of brick structures, it is necessary to ensure that it is kept in the best possible condition and that any damage to it is promptly rectified. The tasks required in Brick Repointing may be within the capabilities of skilled do-it-yourselfers. Still, it is vital to thoroughly understand the scope of the effort before beginning the project. Dust will be formed during the raking process regardless of the methods used; hence, a face mask is essential to protect from airborne particles.
This article’s objective is to provide the reader with information regarding the process of brick repointing, as well as its specifics, such as:
- Rake out the old mortar joints
- Prepare them for new mortar joints,
- Select and apply the appropriate mix of mortar
- Finally, finish the mortar joint to withstand the local weather conditions, all while keeping an eye on the aesthetic qualities of the building.
Difference between Repointing and Pointing
The first step in the construction process is called “pointing,” which relates to the production of the visually created connection between bricks.
Repointing is restoring already-existing pointing by removing damaged material and replacing it with a new mortar mixture. This is done in the process of repointing.
Why is repointing necessary with brickwork?
The mortar is often the first component to break since it is more vulnerable to deterioration than the bricks surrounding it because it is softer than the bricks. As the weather gets colder and frost develops, the masonry expands and eventually crumbles. The settlement of a building can generate movement within the structure, which can in turn, induce strains that lead to the breaking of mortar joints. Significant effects can come from various sources, including the acidity of rainfall, climbing plants like ivy, and insects like masonry Bees. No matter what caused the mortar to fail, it needs to be repointed as soon as possible before the damage grows worse.
A Comprehensive Explanation Regarding the Pointing of Brickwork
If you want to repoint mortar joints, you have to remove the old mortar to a depth of at least 15 millimeters, but most of the time it has to be considerably deeper than that. Removing old mortar is frequently referred to as “raking out.”
The old method of raking out involved using a chisel and a hammer, but the process required a lot of manual labor and took a lot of time. It is still done on particularly delicate buildings where mechanical means may cause damage.
Repointing is commonly understood to relate to placing new mortar on an existing joint that has been raked out. During old methods of repointing, a trowel or jointing instrument was utilized to pack mortar into the space that had been raked out.
The process of repointing and raking out has been made simpler and faster by introducing modern techniques; nonetheless, there is still a place for the “old ways,” and the appropriate equipment may still be obtained.
It is recommended that joints be raked out to a depth that is at least equal to twice the height of the existing vertical connection between the bricks. For instance, if the existing vertical relationship between the bricks measured 8 millimeters in height, the joint should be raked out to a depth of 16 millimeters. Under all conditions, the rake depth for flush-finished joints must be a minimum of 15 millimeters, whereas the raking depth for recessed joints may be a few millimeters greater.
The Equipment Used for Raking
Raking tools are also available in portable and wheeled varieties; however, these tools are only helpful for very soft mortars that are disintegrating. To speed up the process, angle grinders can be fitted with Diamond Blades and Mortar Rakes; systems with these attachments are more likely to deliver a depth that is consistently raked out.
Regardless of the method used, maintaining a constant raked-out depth and removing all traces of old mortar from the brick faces above and below the joint are essential steps in the process.
When utilizing mechanized processes, which generate huge volumes of dust, it is vital to have dust management and extraction facilities in place to ensure the safety of the staff and any other individuals in the vicinity. Utilizing a dust extractor will increase the likelihood that the vast majority of dust will be gathered at the location of the operation rather than being disseminated across the neighborhood.
At this point, professionals will brush or vacuum out the joints and wash the surface to ensure that any dust residues are eradicated, making it possible for the fresh mortar to attach to the brick faces more efficiently.
In an earlier section, we discussed the possibility that cracks in the structure would require local repointing. During the refurbishment of an older building, it is likely that cracks will be mended, and surface-damaged bricks, also known as “spalling,” will be replaced. Both of these issues are prevalent and are referred to by the same general term. It may be feasible to remove the “spalled” brick and rotate it 180 degrees so that the previously protected inner face is now visible and, hopefully, exhibits a precise match with the surrounding region. This is done because it can be challenging to get a matching brick to fit into an older construction.
Repointing
After completing the joint’s thorough preparation, it is time to install the new mortar. It is essential that the new joint be completely filled with mortar that, to the greatest extent feasible, has the same density and surface pressure as the surrounding mortar.
Before repointing the mortar between your building’s bricks, our team of expert stonemasons will inspect the property. During this evaluation, they will search for: Loose or missing bricks, Damp surfaces on the brickwork during dry weather, unusual stains or plant growth like moss or algae, and water intrusion on your internal walls.
Next, our team will power wash the brick facade to prepare it for new pointing. If broken bricks need to be replaced, our professionals use their experience in color-matching to guarantee that the repointing is immaculate. This color-matching demands a specialist’s eye for detail, color, and precision; hence, New York Brick Pointing’s professionals can work on brick structures with the highest level of accuracy and proficiency. We always ensure that the original color of a building is restored. Therefore, we combine the proper quantity of cement with coloring. After cleaning and repointing the bricks, our team can apply a water seal coating. This is done to ensure that the bricks and masonry are watertight in order to prevent further water damage. With a sealer, your building’s bricks will remain cleaner for longer, and stains will be easier to remove.
Why Should You Choose New York Brick Pointing?
All of our brick pointing projects are completed by qualified professionals with an array of talent and the ability to provide the best service.
Are you interested in having your building’s brick points restored? Contact us, and our expert staff will be at your service to enhance the exterior of your commercial or residential property.