Pointing is a method of finishing the mortar joints of the stone or bricks masonry construction. It is the procedure of implementation of the joints up to a depth of 10 to 20 mm and filling the depth with the highest quality mortar in the desired shape. It is done mainly through the lime and cement mortar joints. In the case of exposed masonry, joints are the most vulnerable and weakest spots from which dampness or rainwater can enter.
Types Of Mortar For Pointing Work
There are generally two types of mortar for the pointing works and they are:
- Cement mortar in the ratio of 1:3 (cement: sand)
- Lime mortar in the ratio of 1:2 (lime: sand)
Preparation Of The Surface For Any Type of Pointing
All the joints in the masonry construction are ranked down to the depth of 20 mm when the mortal is still tender. The surface and joints are then thoroughly wetted and cleaned. This process is mostly done by the best brick pointing contractors in Queens NY.
Different Types of Brick Pointing Method
After preparation of the surface as written above, mortar is then carefully placed in between the joints using a tiny trowel. The mortar that needs to be placed should be of the required shape. When the fresh mortars are placed in between the joints, it should be pressed with full force to gain strong bonds with the old mortar that is inside the joint. Proper care should be taken in case of first-class brick or ashlar if the mortar is insufficient to cover the edges of the face. The surface that is to be pointed is kept wet for a minimum of one week or till the time it sets after the application. Now let us take a quick look at the different types of brick pointing methods that are implemented by the top brick pointing company in NY.
- Recessed Pointing
In Recessed pointing, mortar is pressed to the back from the edges by 5 mm or more. While placing the mortar, the face of the pointing is kept vertical by a tool. This gives a superb appearance to the brick.
- Struck Pointing
Struck pointing is a type of flush pointing in which the face of the pointing is inclined with the upper edge pressed within the face by almost 10 mm that helps to drain the water easily.
- Tuck Pointing
In tuckpointing, the mortar is pressed in the joint that is raked and finishes the flush with the face. A groovy and narrow channel is cut out in the center of the groove which includes 3 mm of depth and 5 mm of width. The channel is then filled out with white cement putty while projecting the face beyond the joint by 3 mm. If the projection is completed in a mortar, then it is known as half tuck or bastard pointing.
Conclusion
Apart from the above-mentioned processes, there are also flush, beaded, grooved, weathered and V pointing. You can select any of the top companies for brick pointing in queens NY like Brick Pointing NYC and hand over these daunting tasks which will be accomplished perfectly and professionally.
