Brick Repointing in Hertfordshire is a process that can be done to any new or old brick. It is basically the process in which the external parts of the mortar joints are renewed. Now the question that arises is that why these mortar joints need repointing in the first place. The answer to this is very simple that with time, weathering and decay tend to cause voids in the joints between the masonry units especially in between the bricks which then makes a pathway for the entrance of water.
When water starts seeping between the bricks then a lot of problems start to arise within the building. The biggest problem is that the unwanted moisture can seep into the masonry units and cause the mortar to crack. Upon entering of water into the building, the thermal expansion can also take place which can cause the surface to peel, pop off, or flake off. This can weaken the structure of the building and also cause the paint to peel off.
When a repointing is needed?
So basically, the average life span of a mortar is about 50-60 years and after that, a repointing is needed. After the mentioned life span, the mortar will start to degrade and at this point, if the repointing is not done then it can cause many problems some of which are mentioned above. So you need to think of it as an essential process which needs to be get done.
Doing it yourself at home:
Now, let’s come to the topic that how can you do this process by yourself at home. The first thing which you have got to find out that how hard the mortar is. Because sometimes what happens is that the mortar can get hardened due to the cement or the very old lime that has been stuck in it.
Mortar Rack:
For weakening the old mortar, you would want a mortar rack. You just have to press it against the brickwork and run the wheel along with it for a little bit. The spike on there would actually start to rack off the old mortar. By adjusting the nail on the rack, you can dig further deep into the mortar. This rack can even be used on a new mortar if it gets dry. The deep pointed needle will give a nice deep finish.
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Charcoal Chisel:
If you don’t really have a mortar rack then the charcoal chisel will also do the job. You just have to hammer it from the back and with some effort, the stubborn cement will come off.
Weather Struck Pointing:
There are typically two types of pointing, one is bucket handle and the other one is the weather struck pointing. In this one, we are going to discuss the weather struck pointing. In both of these cases, you would have to apply the mortar between the joints. You can do this by using a brick-laying trowel and a pointing trowel. Press the mortar into the joint for making it tight and at this point, you would not have to really worry about it being neat.
After you have done the first layer, push it nicely and smoothly so that no air is left between them. Then leave it to dry for about 10-15 minutes then brush it with a soft brush and you are done.
