What is Brick Pointing? A Complete Guide for Homeowners
As you pass a lovely old brick house, strong, old, and full of character. Imagine this house now with crumbly mortar, loose bricks, and holes that allow water to creep in. The difference is dramatic. That’s when brick pointing steps in as the solution to restore and protect your building. To keep your home strong, weatherproof, and attractive looking, it is not only an option, but a must that you have your brick pointed. But what is brick pointing, and why is it such a big concern? Now you want to know all about it.
What is Brick Pointing?
Brick pointing refers to the process of restoring and repairing the mortar joints between bricks. Weather conditions such as rain, snow, wind, and even sunlight erode the mortar over time, creating cracks and gaps. Once this occurs, your brick wall will no longer be resistant to moisture, and this may cause major structural problems. Brick pointing will restore the beauty and strength of the wall by applying new mortar into the joints.
One should not mix up brick pointing with repointing or tuckpointing. Although they are interconnected, pointing involves the use of new mortar on damaged joints (also known as repairing with mortar), whereas repointing is the use of new mortar (also known as replacing the old mortar), and tuckpointing is the use of contrasting mortar (also known as decoration).
Why is Brick Pointing So Important?
Brick pointing doesn’t just enhance your building’s appearance; it plays a crucial role in extending its structural life. Here’s why it’s essential:
- Stops Water Damage: The cracks in the mortar can allow the rainwater to penetrate inside the wall, and during the winter, it can freeze and loosen or break the bricks. Pointing caps ensure that the joints are not damaged and there is less need to do a lot of repairs.
- Improves Structural Stability: The Weak Mortar reduces the stability of the exterior wall, rendering it unsound in the long term. New pointing fortifies the building.
- Increases Curb Appeal: A well-maintained, sharp-looking, well-pointed wall is sure to increase your home value.
- Increases Property Value: Customers pay attention to details, and a well-kept brick exterior may greatly enhance resale value.
Signs Your Home Needs Brick Pointing
Damages to mortar are not always observed by homeowners until later. Be on the alert to the following red flags:
- Crumbling or powdery mortar
- Cracks between bricks can be seen.
- Cracks in which mortar has fallen out.
- Loose or shifting bricks
- Stains on the inside walls from water.
When you observe any of these, then you need to call on a professional before it’s too late.
The Brick Pointing Process: Step by Step
A lot of homeowners’ questions are about how brick pointing works. The process professionals follow a simplified version of the process as follows:
- Inspection: A brickwork professional is inspecting the wall and determines which joints are damaged.
- Removal of mortar: The old, weak mortar is removed by special tools.
- Cleaning the Joints: The joints are flushed and the dust and debris removed to allow new mortar to bond.
- Applying New Mortar: Fresh mortar, to correspond with your old brickwork, is forced into the joints.
- Final Finishing: The surface is polished and contoured to a clean, smooth appearance.
This is not only a process that brings back strength, but your home back with a fresh look.
DIY vs. Hiring Professionals
The temptation of some homeowners may be to attempt to point the bricks themselves. Although minor touch-ups can be done as a DIY project, it is strongly advised that a professional do the pointing in case of a large project. Experts are equipped with tools, materials, and experience to offer long-term outcomes. Mortar applied incorrectly will crack again or even puncture through the brick surface. To ensure your investment holds longer, you might want to pay a professional mason.
Brick Pointing vs. Repointing vs. Tuckpointing
All these terms are commonly mixed up by the house owners; however, here is a brief explanation:
- Pointing: The application of new mortar to new or broken joints.
- Repointing: This involves removing deteriorated mortar from between bricks and replacing it with fresh material to restore strength and appearance.
- Tuckpointing: This is a decorative technique with contrasting colors of mortar applied, resulting in a sharp look.
Making the distinction allows you to appreciate what your property really needs.
Cost of Brick Pointing
Brick pointing prices are based on the size of the brick pointing job, the state of the mortar, as well as your location. The average price of a home is between 5 to 25 per square foot. This may sound like an investment, yet although a mortgage may be more expensive to pay off, ignoring mortar cracking can lead to more expensive repairs, the kind that require the reconstruction of an entire wall.
How to Maintain Brickwork After Pointing
Simple maintenance tips to prolong the life of your newly pointed wall:
- Check your brickwork every year.
- Gently use low-pressure water to clean the surface without causing damage.
- Use no hard chemicals that loosen mortar.
- Cover your bricks where advised by a professional.
Final Thoughts
Brick pointing can be an inconsequential repair process, but it means a lot when it comes to securing your house. Keep moisture out, make the house curb-appealing, and it’s one of the maintenance factors that no homeowner can overlook. When your walls are already exhibiting signs of mortar damage, you never have to wait until it becomes an expensive fix. Today, at least invest in brick pointing, because this will ensure future strength and beauty to your property.
It must have occurred to you that a well-maintained brick wall not only supports your house, but also sends signals to the world that you are someone who pays attention to details.