What can I use for pointing stonework?

What can I use for pointing stonework?

The mix is usually a 4:1:1 mix – that is – 4 sand, to 1 lime, and 1 cement – this should be pointed into joints which are raked out to at least 25mm (1 inch) and the joint should be cleaned of dust and moistened before the cement mortar is pushed into the joint.

How do you mortar a stone wall?

Apply a base coat of mortar beneath the wall onto a carefully prepared foundation. Let the base coat dry and set for 24 hours and then start laying the stones horizontally. Brush water across each stone before applying the mortar. Mortar adheres better to a clean, wet surface.

What is repointing a stone wall?

Repointing is the process of renewing the pointing, which is the external part of mortar joints, in masonry construction. Over time, weathering and decay cause voids in the joints between masonry units, usually in bricks, allowing the undesirable entrance of water.

How much mortar is needed for a stone wall?

Divide the total cubic feet of the rock wall by 5 to determine the number of bags of mortar required to complete the wall. For example, a 180 cubic foot rock wall divided by 5 equals 36 bags of mortar mix.

What’s the best way to repoint a stone wall?

The joint should be raked out to a depth of 10-12 mm. Twisted wax string should be inserted along the joint by the hacksaw blade at the 10-12 mm depth. Masking tape should then be placed along each side of the joint to avoid discolouration by action of the lime mortar.

What’s the best way to clean a stone wall?

As a guide, joints should be raked out to twice the width of the joint – so a 1cm wide joint should be raked out to at least 2 cm, preferably 2.5 cm. The exposed joints are then cleaned with water or compressed air.

Where to put masking tape when repointing stone?

Masking tape should then be placed along each side of the joint to avoid discolouration by action of the lime mortar. The joint should be thoroughly rewetted prior to application of the new pointing material.

What’s the best way to repoint an old house?

Ian’s approach involves two separate steps – tamp pointing and then finish pointing. In the first, he cuts back into the joint at least 3 inches. Then he packs the first 1 1/2 to 2 inches with mortar and a tamper. The mortar is made of 7 parts sharp sand, 1 part lime and 1 part cement (no more! he says).