Pointing Tips

Pointing is an important part of maintaining brickwork. Not only does it improve the appearance of the bricks, but it also helps to seal them against moisture and pests. However, pointing can be a tedious and time-consuming task. Here are a few tips to help make the job a little easier.

First, choose the right mortar. There are many different types of mortar on the market, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, Portland cement is extremely strong, but it can be difficult to work with. Alternatively, masonry sand is much easier to handle, but it isn’t as durable as Portland cement. Ultimately, the best choice of mortar will depend on the specific needs of your project.

Next, prep the area before you start pointing. This means removing any loose or chipped bricks and cleaning out any old mortar from the joints. If you don’t take the time to do this step properly, your new pointing will likely fail within a few years.

Mortar is the key ingredient. Without the right mixture, your pointing will be weak and will not last. Luckily, mixing mortar is not rocket science. The first step is to combine cement, sand, and water in a ratio of 1:3:5. Once you have the dry ingredients mixed together, slowly add water until the mixture reaches the consistency of peanut butter. Next, use a trowel to apply the mortar to the joints between bricks.

Pointing is a slow and methodical process, so it’s important to take your time and do it right. Rushing will only increase the chances of making mistakes.

Getting the perfect point can be a tricky business, and all too often you’ll end up with wet mortar smeared all over your bricks. If this happens, don’t despair! There are a few simple ways to clean it off. First, try using a damp sponge to wipe away the excess mortar. If this doesn’t work, you can try gently scrubbing the area with a toothbrush dipped in soapy water. If all else fails, you can always wait for the mortar to dry and then chisel it off - but this should be a last resort, as it’s likely to damage the bricks. Whichever method you choose, make sure you act quickly - the longer the mortar is left to dry, the harder it will be to remove!

By following these tips, you can ensure that your brickwork will look its best for many years to come.