Building with brick has many advantages. Durability, low-level maintenance, thermal insulation, fire resistance, and increased home value are some of the many benefits you will gain from a brick house. However, while bricks are strong and durable and will outlast other construction materials, prolonged exposure to outdoor elements, including extreme temperatures and moisture, can cause your brick structure to develop signs of wear and tear. Your brickwork may lose its colour and appear dull. The mortar may also start crumbling. Fortunately, when this happens, you can always restore your brickwork's structural integrity and appearance. You can do this in many ways, and brick pointing is one practical solution. It involves repairing and strengthening your brickwork's mortar joints. Similarly, several brick pointing techniques exist, and here is a guide on some of the most popular methods.
Flush Pointing
Flush pointing is one of the most popular brick pointing techniques used in brick restoration. It involves filling the damaged mortar joint with mortar and pressing it in. Excess mortar is then removed, and the joint is evened out to ensure its flush with the brick's edges, leaving a smooth appearance. The edges may also be trimmed to keep them looking neat. Usually, this is done using a trowel and a straight edge. One of the top advantages that come with flush pointing is that it eliminates any chances of dust, debris, or water accumulation, preventing your brickwork from being damaged by such elements.
Struck Pointing
Struck pointing is also known as cut weathered brick pointing. With this technique, rather than keeping the pointing face vertical, it is left to slope outwards. This is usually done by filling in the damaged joints and using a pointing tool to press the finished face inside. Generally, struck pointing is a modification of the flush pointing technique, and it's done to allow water to drain easily. In addition, struck pointing creates a more aesthetically pleasing effect than flush pointing.
Recessed Pointing
Recessed pointing is also another brick restoration technique you should know about. As the name implies, this is achieved by filling the raked joints with mortar and pushing it back a few millimetres using appropriate pointing tools. Usually, this keeps the face vertical. Like struck pointing, aesthetic value is one of the biggest selling points of recessed brick pointing. However, this technique is usually not ideal for exposed buildings. That's because they perform poorly when it comes to readily shedding water. Therefore, if you consider this option, make sure your bricks have excellent moisture and frost resistance.
Contact a company that offers brick restoration services to learn more.
Share24 November 2021
Pouring concrete isn't necessarily as straightforward as it looks. Depending on the land, you have to make multiple adjustments ranging from laying a layer of gravel to putting in moisture barriers. Then, depending on the size of the concrete pad, you may need to add steel reinforcements. After the concrete has dried and cured, you may decide to add sealants, do an acid wash or play with other finishes. Then, of course, there are differences between pouring concrete inside or outside. In this blog, I hope to cover all those issues and more. If you're looking for tips and ideas, take a look at these posts. Whether you plan to hire a concrete contractor or do the work yourself, it can help to know this information.
