Mortar joints are one of the most vital parts of a brick or stone mansion. If the joints get damaged or defective, the whole structure can collapse easily. So, construction engineers suggest performing brick pointing repair to strengthen and repair the cracked mortar joints.
So, if you notice any crack in the old mortar joints, you can ask for help from the brick pointing services. Generally, they first remove the cracked and disintegrated mortar joints. Then, replace the old mortar joints with freshly mixed mortar. Brick pointing comes with a wide range of varieties. If you want to know the types, read the article.
Various Types of Brick Pointing in Masonry Construction
We have mentioned earlier that pointing offers sound health to the mortar joints. According to the brick restoration services, brick pointing protects the mortar joints from adverse weather. If you think the disintegrated mortar joints cannot harm the structure, you are wrong. Experts say the cracked joints are the most vulnerable points of a building, as they let water and dampness enter the house.
So, brick pointing services offer the following pointing techniques to repair the damaged mortar joints.
The general flush pointing
Flush pointing is a usual pointing technique you can see in most brick mansions. At this pointing method, the construction workers fill the mortar joints with the fresh mortar and press the mixture into the gap.
The workers usually pour the mortar until it comes at an equal level to the edges of the bricks. After filling the mortar joints, workers scrape the excess away for a straight edge. Since the joints get filled by the fresh mortar in this procedure, it offers ultimate durability.
The unique weathered pointing
You will find only a few brick pointing service providers offer weathered pointing services. In this artistic pointing technique, the construction workers press the mortar into a horizontal mortar joint.
Then, they push back the upper portion of the joint by a pointing tool before the mixture gets dry. So, you can expect a slope-like pointing at the end of the weathered pointing method.
Keyed pointing
If you notice a specific pointing with a semi-circular curve, then it is keyed pointing. Architectures generally apply the technique to add an attractively patterned look on the walls.
To perform keyed pointing, first, you need to fill the mortar joints. Then with the help of a small-diameter steel bar, squeeze the fresh mortar back. The result will look like a curved arc groove. You will notice such pointing generally in the vertical joints.
Beaded pointing
In this pointing technique, first, you need to fill the mortar joints. Then, workers form a concave groove in the joints with the help of a concave-shaped steel tool. Although the pointing provides a patterned look to the wall, the mortar can get damaged easily.
Final Thought
The brick pointing not only enhances the structural integrity but also makes the external walls weatherproof. Plus, our suggested brick pointing techniques can cut down the future brick restoration cost.
