Repointing: weather struck method or not?

Repointing is the process of replacing weathered or damaged cement or lime mortar in the joints of masonry stone or brick.

As well as having aesthetic value, pointing’s main purpose is to stop damp from penetrating. However,  mortar often doesn’t have as long a lifespan as the brick it holds together.

There are a number of different types of pointing to choose from. Below we look at the best way of repointing: weather struck method or not?

What is weather struck pointing?

Weather struck pointing uses an incline angle in towards the mortar. The result is the mortar slopes from the top of the joint to the bottom.

Compared with standard, flush pointing, weather struck pointing requires more skill, time, and experience to get a good result.

Should you opt for weather struck pointing or not?

The key thing about weather struck pointing is that it doesn’t look good in all situations…

• In a new building with new bricks, weather struck pointing can produce a nice finish. It also gives excellent resistance to poor weather.
• If you own an older property it’s likely your bricks don’t have straight edges (otherwise known as ‘arrises’). Weather struck pointing in this instance tends to look messy; flush pointing is often preferred for a neat finish.
• If you live in a conservation area or listed building then it’s always best to contact your Local Planning Authority before starting any repointing work.

Find a local repointing specialist for the job

The type of pointing you choose, and the standard of the finish, have the ability to change the external appearance of your property.

For these reasons, we highly recommend you hire an experienced, reputable brickwork specialist for your repointing – whether you opt for the weather struck method or not.

To find a trusted and approved brick pointing specialist near you, simply add your postcode to the search box below.