Natural cut stone as a building material is derived from quarried rock; divided into three types, the classifications relate to how the rock was formed geologically. Igneous rock, such as granite, is formed by the crystallization and cooling of molten magma. It forms the bases of continents and mountains ranges, and is relatively hard and homogenous.

A brick repointing job looks simple, but it’s actually not easy, and isn’t something the average homeowner should take on, since you can end up damaging a wall and creating a big mess. There are 4 steps involved; preparing the joint, mixing the mortar, filling the joint with the mortar, and finishing and shaping the joint.

Joint Preparation

Preparation for repointing is the step during which an inexperienced workman most risks doing permanent damage, and merely brushing out loose mortar and refilling will produce a joint which, although it may look fine, will decay and loosen within months.

Mortar joints in masonry are one of the few parts of a building which are not deigned to be permanent. Properly applied mortar should last for 50 to 100 years, but the time will inevitably come when moisture, temperature changes, vibration and other deterioration make necessary the repairing and replacing mortar joints (also referred to as tuckpointing).

The mortar joints in masonry fasten the stones or bricks together into a structural whole and make a binding, watertight seal. When mortar deteriorates and decays, it must be replaced to restore the masonry’s structural integrity and appearance. This replacement process is called repointing. If you have decided to take on the repointing job yourself, your first task should be to decide what type of mortar mix to use.

Mix Ingredients

Proper maintenance and regular inspections are the best way to prolong the life of a masonry building, be it of limestone, granite, brick, marble or sandstone. Inspection should begin with the building’s site; environment, terrain and vegetation are the 3 areas to look at.

Environment