The Complete Brick Pointing Step by Step Guide
Brickworks have long been praised as durable wall that is strong and beautiful. Nevertheless, the most powerful walls require maintenance. With time, the mortar that binds the bricks together cracks, crumbles or even wears away as a result of weathering, moisture and overall wear. This may cause severe damage to the building in case it is not taken care of. It is there that there is a necessity of learning how to do brick pointing.
This step by step guide is a comprehensive guide to brick pointing, tools you will need, what to expect in the process and what is best to avoid, as well as when to employ an expert.
What Is Brick Pointing and Why Learn How to Do Brick pointing?
Definition of Brick pointing
Brick pointing refers to repair of the mortar joints between bricks. It is the step of removing old decayed mortar and applying new mortar to re-establish the wall strength and visual appeal.
Why Learning to do Brick Pointing is important to the Homeowner?
Knowing how to point a brick is a worthy idea to homeowners since:
- It helps to avoid the entrance of water that can damage walls.
- It reinforces brickwork.
- It enhances the aesthetic of your property.
- It is cost-effective as it helps it to save money that would be spent on significant repairs in the future.
- Simply put, when you learn how to perform brick pointing, you will be able to prolong your brickwork by decades.
Equipments and Resources to do Brick Pointing
Brick pointing is an essential tool that requires the following tools to perform the task.
The tools to use before you begin include:
- Pointing trowel
- Chisel and hammer
- Wire brush
- Mortar hawk (to hold mortar as it is applied)
- Mortar joint raker or grinder.
- Safety glasses and gloves
- Bucket and sponge
With the right tools to use, the process of how to do brick pointing becomes easier and more efficient.
Brickpointing How-to-projects Best Mortar Mix
Depending on the age and the type of brickwork, the kind of mortar to be used varies. In case of historic buildings, less stiff mortar, made of lime should be applied. In the case of the modern structures, cement-based mortar can be applied. Always have the same color and texture of mortar as that one to get the same outcomes.
How to Do Brick Pointing: A Step-by-Step Guide
There are no shortcuts when it comes to pointing a brick. It is a time-consuming process that demands following several steps.
It is a slow process one has to learn the art of pointing bricks. The stepwise breakdown is the following:
Step 1: Before You Brick Pointing Inspect Walls
Find mortar joints that are cracked, crumbling or hollow-sounding. Look after moisture damage and loose bricks. Brick pointing must not be commenced before the wall is stable.
Step 2: Dismissed Old Mortar In How to Do Brick Pointing
Take a hammer and chisel or joint raker and be careful to remove damaged mortar at least 1/2 inch deep. Do not break the bricks around.
Step 3: Mixing Mortar Right in How to Do Brick Pointing
Combine the mortar as per the directions of the manufacturer. The consistency must be hard but not too dry or too wet.
Step 4: Mortar application Video 1 How to Do Brick Pointing
Wet the joints being cleaned with water so that they do not dry off. With a pointing trowel press the fresh mortar firmly into the joints and fill it up.
Step 5: Final touches when you do Brick pointing
Work the surface with the trowel after the mortar begins to dry to provide a clean look. Wipe away a wet sponge to clean excess mortar off faces of bricks before it dries.
Several Errors to be Avoided in How to Do Brick pointing
Although the process of learning how to point bricks is easy, beginners tend to err. Avoid these pitfalls:
The Wrong Mortar in How to Do Brick Pointing
A mortar that is too hard or does not match your bricks will crack and will also cause additional damage.
Poor Equipment in How to do brick pointing
Poor tools can result in sloppy work and wastage of time. Always make good tools of pointing.
Omitting Wall Preparation Wall Preparation Before You Do Brick Pointing
Without cleaning up the old mortar, there will not be a good bonding with the new mortar and will break easily.
Do It Yourself vs. Pros to Show How to point Bricks
When you can point yourself at Brick
In the case of minor damage that occupies a small area on the wall, you can safely be taught how to do the brick pointing and undertake the task by yourself.
When to employ Professionals other than to carry out Brick Pointing?
In the case of large walls, old buildings, chimneys or any other area subjected to extreme weather conditions, professional masons should be employed. Professionals are aware of the appropriate methods and material that would provide sustainability.
Brick pointing Maintenance Advice Once You know How to do it
The durability of results following the process of doing Brick Pointing
The weather conditions and the materials used in quality brick pointing can last 20 to 30 years.
Indications Repairs are required Once more Following Brick Pointing
Watch for:
- Crumbling mortar
- Gaps between bricks
- Water leakage through walls
- Loose bricks
In case you observe these effects, it is possible that you probably have to repeat the procedure or consult a specialist.
Concluding on the Method of doing Brick Pointing
The skills of brick pointing enable property owners to save money and preserve their investment and keep their property. With the correct tools, methods, and maintenance, you can regain their lost power, and beauty back to your brick walls.
Nevertheless, it is always important to remember that small jobs can be handled, but it is the professionals who can carry out the large-scale or historic works. There is no need to lose decades of life in your walls with the right method, and that is what makes the process of brick pointing prolong the life of your walls and make your home look good.