What Is Brick Pointing? – Types And Tools

Do you know the beauty of a brick-built structure that has been adequately cared for and maintained?

Apart from the structural integrity design, one could say that the symbol of ‘permanence’ is not just for visuals. Like any other structure in New York City and its neighboring regions, including Queens, The Bronx, Westchester, Manhattan, and Brooklyn, even the sturdiest building can deteriorate after a while — cracks in the mortar, brick shifting, or joints weakening. One crucial solution is brick pointing, which serves not only for the safety of your property but also for its outstanding charm. It is about how this technique can help to create durability in construction while maintaining its appearance in these parts of the world.

What is Brick Pointing?

Brick pointing is, therefore, the process of repointing or repairing the mortar joints of a brickwork so that the building gives it the strength and appearance it requires. Indeed, weather conditions, wearing and aging effects on the surfaces of the bricks, exposure to the environment, or aggressive agents weaken the mortar between the bricks and compromise the strength of brickwork, promoting cracks, gaps, water ingress, etc. Not only does it affect the structure’s appearance, but also its endurance, sustainability, and safety levels.

Why is Brick Pointing Significant?

Structural Integrity: Mortar acts as a binder for the bricks laid on it. Therefore, the required mortar compression forces are lower in sandstone masonry, and damaged mortar decreases the bond, creating loose or falling bricks.

• Weather Protection: Pointed bricks neatly to prevent water from penetrating through walls, leading to dampness, mold formation, and even structural decay.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Pointing endorses the property’s facade by creating premium neatness in the brick joints.
• Cost-Effective Maintenance: Corrective brick pointing helps avoid serious problems such as constructing new walls or buying new bricks.

What Is The Purpose Of Brick-Pointing?

Brick pointing plays several essential roles simultaneously as it creates the structure’s form and precisely fills and shapes the gaps between the bricks for aesthetic and protective functions. This process covers the rehabilitation or repointing of joint mortar in brick structures to gain strength, stability, and aesthetic value. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the purposes of brick pointing:

Returning Structural Hierarchy

On the other hand, like cement, mortar is used to bind the bricks and give a wall or structure a strong foundation and unification. The most common areas where joints erode are the mortar joints in stonework, which may be worn by weather, age, or subsidence of structures. Faulty pointing refers to the deterioration of the working joint between the bricks, so the structure may be at risk of instability, developing cracks, or even collapsing. Brick-pointing reopened these joints and reinforced the building framework, guaranteeing strength and safety over time.

Preventing Water Penetration

Faulty mortar reduces the stability of the walls since it contains voids through which water can penetrate. This can pose severe challenges, such as the formation of dampness, mold development, frost effects, and wear-away brickwork. Correct pointing of the bricks also fills in these gaps and forms a weathertight finish that prevents moisture-related moisture-related complications on the structure.

Enhancing Aesthetic Appeal

Spaces between the bricks are called the mortar joints, which are readily assignable to the exposed and visually prominent plane. When these smooth fascias and soffits become cracked or develop an unattractive color, they make the entire structure appear old and unkempt. Brick pointing entails removing the old mortar and replacing it with a new one similar to the original one to give brickwork a neat look and maintain the architectural value of the structure.

Historical and Cultural History

Brick-pointing is very important when preserving old buildings that may have historical or even cultural values. It ensures that the structure is maintained in its design form throughout the construction and enhances its strength. But this is crucial when renovating historical buildings such as landmarks, heritage homes, or any expensive property.

Preventing Costly Repairs

Failure to pay attention to deteriorated mortar could cause problems like loose or falling bricks and deteriorated and weak walls. These may need extensive repairs and reconstruction, which are not easy to come by financially. Complications can cost an organization a lot; however, brick pointing as a maintenance strategy detects these complications early, offering an inexpensive remedy.

Improving Energy Efficiency

Loosening of mortar joints creates voids that compromise the building’s insulation ability and may cause heat to penetrate inside or cold air to escape. This leads to high energy expenses for heating and cooling the indoors to achieve comfortable climates. Brick-pointing helps fill these gaps, thereby improving the structure’s energy efficiency.

Brick Pointing Tools

Brick-pointing is a meticulous process that requires specialized tools to ensure precision and durability. Here is a detailed list of essential tools used in brick pointing, categorized by their purpose:

Preparation Tools

These tools are applied when raking out or cleaning joints to be filled with new mortar after the old one has cracked or eroded.

• Plugging Chisel: A flat, narrow chisel used to chip out old mortar without damaging the surrounding bricks.
• Joint Raker: A hand tool with a wheel or abrasive tip used to scrape out loose mortar from joints.
• Angle Grinder: A power tool fitted with a masonry blade for faster and more efficient mortar removal, particularly in larger projects.

Mixing Tools

Correct proportions of mortar are vital to the long life of this structure and bond.

• Mortar Mixing Tub: A big vessel hollowed out to allow mortar ingredients to be mixed in together.
• Trowel: A flat, triangular scraper used to mix mortar and convey it to building blocks.
• Mortar Hoe: For proper mixing, this hoe has holes, as seen in the following image.
• Drill Mixer Attachment: A device powered for the even mixing mortar to reduce time and energy.

Application Tools

These tools apply and shape the new mortar in the joints.

• Pointing Trowel: A small, pointed trowel that applies mortar into narrow joints.
• Tuckpointing Tool: A specialized tool for pressing and smoothing mortar into joints.
• Mortar Bag: Used like a piping bag, it assists in applying mortar in joints, particularly in complex applications.
• Margin Trowel: A trowel of a small shape and particularly elongated form, perfect for narrow joints and detailed masonry work.

Finishing Tools

These tools ensure the mortar joints are smooth, uniform, and visually appealing.

• Jointing Tool (or Jointer): A curved or straight tool used to shape and smooth the mortar joints for a finished look.
• Wire Brush: Used to clean off excess mortar and debris after application.
• Soft Brush: Removes fine dust and leaves a clean surface on the brickwork.

Safety Tools

Safety is paramount when working with brick and mortar.

• Safety Goggles: Prevent the entry of dust and debris during the mortar removal process.
• Dust Mask or Respirator: Prevents inhalation of fine mortar particles.
• Gloves: Protect hands from abrasions and contact with mortar.

Types Of Brick Pointing

Below are the common types of pointing used in brickwork, each with its unique features and benefits:

Flush Pointing

The mortar is struck into the joint and finished to a smooth, even surface with the brick’s face.

Advantages:

• It gives a neat and sleek outlook and also promotes usability.
• It grieves the formation of rust and dust, improves bearing, and increases the joint’s longevity.

Recessed Pointing

The mortar was also aligned with a small depression from the face of the brick to enhance the beauty of the bricklaying.

Advantages:

• Improves the visual quality of the design by accentuating the bricks.
• Recommended for construction projects that require intricate wall designs due to beauty reasons.

Weathered Pointing

The angles of the mortar are raised outward, and the top part of the mortar is concaved, and the bottom part protrudes.

Advantages:

• It contains water and does not allow it to penetrate the joints.
• Enhances the durability, particularly that of mortar and bricks.

V-Pointing

The face of mortar is struck in v fashion along the joint.

Advantages:

• Produce decorative aesthetics for the bricks and beautify the exterior of the building.
• It has good weather resistance because its shape is compact.

Beaded Pointing

The mortar is then finished to a convex form, and a bead forms along the joint.

Advantages:

• Delivers a catchy and decorative appearance.
• It is best done with a high level of craftsmanship.

Struck Pointing

The mortar is protracted and inclined, with the top edge rabbeted to provide a distinct step.

Advantages:

• It increases the water department and minimizes water retention in the joints.
• It provides a clear and uncluttered look.

Tuck Pointing

An applied pointing finish involves applying a thin mortar line over joints in masonry that appear level with the adjoining brickwork.

Advantages:

• It improves aesthetics by giving a perception of well-fitted bricks that they are not.
• They are usually used in historical restoration projects.

Raked Pointing

The mortar is then swept to a specific line, leaving the joint below the face of the brick; again, the type or style of joint used is dependent on the type of brick.

Advantages:

• However, more accentuating the brick pattern is of interest here.
• It called for less mortar than most other architectural designs.

What Is The Best Material For Brick Pointing?

The ideal material to use during the brick pointing job depends on the type of structure, its age, and regional climatic conditions. Here are the key materials along with their characteristics:

Traditional Lime Mortar

• Composition: Made from lime, sand, and water.
• Advantages:
  • Highly flexible, allowing it to accommodate structural movement without cracking.
  • Breathable, enabling moisture to escape and preventing damp issues.
  • Ideal for restoring older or heritage buildings.
• Best For: Historic buildings and structures requiring a traditional approach.

Portland Cement Mortar

• Composition: A mix of Portland cement, sand, and water, sometimes combined with lime for added flexibility.
• Advantages:
  • Strong and durable, providing excellent bonding.
  • Resistant to weathering and erosion.
  • Commonly used in modern construction.
• Best For: Newer buildings and areas exposed to harsh weather conditions.

Pre-Mixed Mortar

• Composition: Factory-prepared mortar mixes that combine cement, lime, and sand in specific proportions.
• Advantages:
  • Consistent quality and composition.
  • Convenient and time-saving.
  • Available in various types tailored for different applications.
• Best For: Small to medium projects where consistency is critical.

Hydraulic Lime Mortar

• Composition: Lime-based mortar that sets through a chemical reaction with water (hydraulic process).
• Advantages:
  • Sets quickly, even in damp conditions.
  • Provides a balance between flexibility and strength.
  • More resistant to water compared to traditional lime mortar.
• Best For: Damp or wet environments, older buildings, and heritage projects.

Polymer-Modified Mortar

• Composition: Mortar enhanced with polymers or additives to improve adhesion, flexibility, and weather resistance.
• Advantages:
  • Excellent bonding properties.
  • High resistance to cracking and shrinking.
  • Suitable for challenging environments.
• Best For: High-performance applications and areas exposed to severe weather.

Natural Hydraulic Lime (NHL)

Composition: Natural mortar produced from limestone with minor impurities for a sustainable and breathable product.

Advantages:

• Environmentally friendly and conventional material.
• Offers sufficient stiffness to ensure the stand remains elastic enough.
• For heritage and conservation, lots are a perfect match.

Best For: Structures must be constructed using recyclable and fresh air permeable materials.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Material

• Building Age: Lime mortar is preferred, especially in areas where walls were constructed using stone or brick.
• Environment: Hydraulic lime or polymer-modified mortar may be required if the building is exposed to harsh weather or a damp environment.
• Appearance: Hearth mortars applied to brickwork are available in different colors to blend in with the previous work.
• Strength vs. Flexibility: New construction structures require cement-based mortar, while older structures require lime for their flexibility.

Choose NYC Construction Pro For Brick Pointing Services

Hire NYC Construction Pro for exceptional brick-pointing services that excel in artistry and accuracy. Our specialist staff is highly experienced in restoring brickwork, stonework, and customized projects to give your structure the best looks while being strong and durable. We follow New York City Local Law 11 to ensure that the work completed here conforms to the regulations and quality standards. Our services are for you in Queens, Brooklyn, or NYC. You can reach us through our phone number, (+1) 917-355-8556.