Repointing brick is an inexpensivebrick updatethat helps you avoid costly repairs in the future.
The project is DIY-friendly, though labor-intensive, and requires only basic tools and mortar.
What Is Repointing Brick?
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Repointing brick means repairing previously installed brick by removing old mortar and replacing it with new mortar.
Repointing brick is also calledtuckpointing.
Wear gloves with fresh mortar because the hydrated lime in the mix is caustic to the skin.
Protect Surfaces
Cover the ground in front of the brick with a drop cloth.
Determine Mortar Depth
Measure the width of the vertical brick joints.
You’ll need to remove mortar as deep as twice the width of the vertical brick joints.
Rake the Vertical Joints
Rake the vertical joints first, starting at the top and working downward.
Occasionally, brush out the joints with the masonry brush so you’re able to see the brick.
Frequently sweep out the joints with the masonry brush.
Brush the Joints
Brush any joints that have remaining mortar with the wire brush.
It’s not necessary to brush all of the jointsonly joints that still have stray pieces of mortar.
Clean the Brick Joints
Clean the brickjoints thoroughly with the masonry brush.
Tip
Use the righttype of mortar.
It is sometimes called “pointing mortar.”
Add Mortar to the Joints
The front of the mortar should stand out from the brick face.
The mortar should not be flush with or recessed from the brick face.
Let the Mortar Rest
Leave the mortar for about 30 to 45 minutes to partially dry.
Test by pressing the mortar with your finger.
If your finger does not leave a depression, the mortar is ready for repointing.
Do not let the mortar completely dry out.
Slide the trowel to smooth and compress the mortar.
Do this for all vertical joints.
Repoint the Horizontal Joints
Repoint the horizontal mortar courses similar to the vertical joints.
Slide the pointing trowel along the mortared joints, compacting and shaping the mortar.
Go easy to avoid digging into the newly repointed mortar between the bricks.
The cost to repoint brick on a 100-square-foot area starts at $400 and ranges up to $1,700.
The cost of repointing brick by yourself is about $0.50 per square feet.
The cost to DIY repoint brick on a 100-square-foot area is around $50 to $75.
When to Call a Professional
Repointing brick isn’t complicated, but it is labor-intensive.
Masons have the tools and expertise needed to repoint large areas of brick.
They also have scaffolding and fall-arrest gear for working on high areas like chimneys.
Tips for Repointing Brick
you’re free to repoint brick by yourself.
Generally, brick should be repointed every 30 to 50 years.
How Much Do Tuckpointing And Repointing Cost?HomeAdvisor.
How Much Does Tuck Pointing Cost?Forbes Home.
