Pointing: types and methods

Pointing is the finishing of joints in exposed brick or stone masonry by raking out the mortar to a depth of about 12-20 mm and filling them with a better mortar (usually cement-sand 1:3 or lime mortar) to protect the joints from weather and improve appearance.

Types of pointing

1. Flush pointing: mortar is filled and pressed level with the wall face. Simple, strong, but does not look striking.
2. Recessed pointing: the mortar is pressed back 5-10 mm from the face. Gives shadow; not suitable in heavy rain areas.
3. Rubbed (keyed) pointing: joint is rubbed with a pointed tool to give a concave surface; good durability.
4. Weathered (struck) pointing: the upper part of the joint is pressed back so water flows off easily. Used widely in exposed walls.
5. Tuck pointing: a groove is cut in the flush mortar and filled with white cement putty in a thin raised bead. Gives a fine line but high cost and skill.
6. V-shaped pointing: a "V" groove is made in the joint.
7. Beaded pointing: a bead is formed with a round tool.
8. Raised (projecting) pointing: joint stands out from the face. Poor durability.

  flush    recessed   weathered   keyed(rubbed)  V-joint
  |  |     |  |_|     |  /|        |  (_)       |  \/
  ----     ----       ----         ----          ----

Procedure (method) of pointing

1. Rake out the joints to a depth of 12-20 mm with a raking tool and brush out dust.
2. Wet the surface thoroughly.
3. Prepare the mortar (cement-sand 1:3 for brick, or lime-surkhi), neither too wet nor too dry.
4. Fill the joints with a pointing trowel and press it firmly.
5. Finish to the type of pointing with a suitable tool.
6. Trim excess mortar and clean the face.
7. Cure for at least 7 days, and wet daily.