Pointing brickwork
When masonry structures are first constructed, mortar is applied as a thick paste which sets hard as it cures, creating a tight seal between bricks and blocks to prevent air and moisture entering into the construction. Depending on the age of the building, the type of masonry, and the nature of the overall wall construction, mortar used for pointing will be either lime mortar or cement mortar.
The finished profile of the mortar joint at is external surface is known as ‘pointing’. This profile can be varied depending on exposure or to create a specific visual effect.
The most common pointing profiles are:
- Flush: The mortar is finished off flush with the face of the masonry units.
- Recessed or raked: Mortar is pressed back from the face of the masonry units by 5 mm or more. This creates a shadow gap between the masonry units.
- Beaded, concave, half round or bucket handle: A more rounded type of pointing with a concave edge. This can look aesthetically pleasing, but it may damage more easily than other profiles.
- Struck or weatherstruck: Similar to flush except the upper edge is pressed back inside the face to create a sloping profile. This is time-consuming and requires practice, but the effect can be aesthetically pleasing.
- Rubbed: Also known as keyed or grooved, this is a rounded groove formed in the middle of the pointing using a suitable tool.
- V-pointing: Similar to rubbed but with a sharp inward V-groove rather than rounded.
- Tuckpointing: Using two colours of mortar (one similar to the colour of the masonry, used at the edges) to give the impression that the joints are very thin.
- Penny roll: A recessed line is created in the middle of the joint to give a tidier impression when the joints are wide or degraded.
- Strap or ribbon: A neat strip of mortar sits proud of the face of the masonry. This can be used to give a neater impression when joints are degraded.
Generally, mortar is structurally weaker than the blocks or bricks it bonds, creating a sacrificial layer that is more easily repaired than defects would be in the bricks or blocks themselves. As a result, mortar joints can decay over time, due to weathering, frost damage, and so on. When this happens, repointing is undertaken to renew them. For more information see: Repointing.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Fire doors and the Fire Door Inspection Scheme.
Three-quarters of fire doors fail inspections
UN International Day for Biological Diversity, May 22.
The role of geoparks, biospheres and world heritage sites.
BSRIA conference 2022, June 23.
Just one month to go ! Find out more here.
Restoring Broadbent’s Bath House
A new gallery for the University of Huddersfield.
Corruption in the construction industry.
What will it take to stop it ?
To celebrate world bee day 2022 !
Just one month until the changes to part L come into effect.
Not forgetting part F and the new part overheating part O.
Heat Pump demand rises by one quarter.
As energy prices jump up in cost.
With people in the UK from Ukraine.
Industry leader Steve Murray takes on role.
An abundant and versatile building material.
How overheating complicates ending gas in the UK.
600,000 heat pump installations targeted per year by 2028.
Cost planning, control and related articles on DB.
Helping prevent those unwanted outcomes.
ICE debate Public transport - post pandemic.
How has transport changed due to Covid-19 ?
Cross-ventilation in buildings. Do you have it ?
Will you need it ? after June 15 and the new Part O ?
Share your knowledge with the industry.
Create an account and write the first of many articles.
The green jobs delivery group.
CIAT commentary after the first meeting.
Liverpool's world heritage site status
Who is to blame?
Research recommends focussing on portfolio success rather than project success.
ICE and BSI launch revised PAS 128 standard.
The revised standard for mapping underground utilities.