How to Repoint an Existing Brickwork Wall in a Home

Pointing in brickwork is done on the joints horizontally and vertically. In old or existing walls the pointing may chip off or become defective. The joints of mortar may be cracked and warped. This work can be corrected by repointing the brickwork. This has to be done delicately to avoid breaking or damaging the existing wall surfaces. The dried and cracked mortar from the joints is hacked off carefully. It is better if available to use a grinder for this work.

When repointing the brickwork, any cracked units should also be removed. This will ensure that the finished work looks good. The mortar mix to be used should be in the ratio of one part cement and two parts sand. Since this work is a repeat, the sand should be sieved with a gauze wire to make it fine. The existing brickwork wall should also be checked for other defects before chipping out the loose mortar. This defects include vertical or horizontal cracks.

Repointing work commences by removing the old mortar with a grinder or chisel. This is done about half to three quarter inch deep. It is important to ensure any cracked mortar is removed and brushed off. A rounded steel bar of half an inch is used for the pointing. Once the dried mortar is removed and brushed off, the wall is adequately watered. This should be done continuously for one hour. After watering the whole surface then the repointing can commence.

The repointing mortar is mixed and applied to the open joints. The mix should not be very soft nor hard. A trowel is used for putting the mortar carefully into the joints. The round bar is then used to key in the mortar firmly in the joint. The mortar should be allowed to splutter onto the brick wall. A hand brush is used to remove the excess mortar. The process is repeated on the whole wall surface. After completion, the wall is watered after twenty four hours for one week.

Continual exposure to water is usually the primary reason that you'll find water damage on your brickwork. Defective rainwater systems are one common reason you'll find your walls under continuous attack from the elements. One of the most preventable problems homeowners will face, I am still shocked to this day with the amount of water drainage systems left in disrepair.

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