What’s the Point of Pointing?

There are thousands of buildings in the New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Delaware areas made of brick and stone. These homes and buildings are very sturdy and built to last – as long as the pointing is intact and undamaged.

Pointing is the term for the mortar that is around the bricks in your wall. This mortar reinforces the building’s structure and also ensures weatherproofing, while still allowing the wall to breathe. The pointing allows water within the structure to drain.  Without it, the water would damage the stone or brick.

When do I need my walls repointed?

While bricks themselves can last an incredibly long time, the pointing itself is much less durable. Over time it will wear away, mostly from water damage and damage caused by trapped rainwater freezing and expanding in the porous mortar.

This is a normal occurrence – one of the key benefits of your pointing is that it allows water to enter and leave freely. Unfortunately, that benefit does make it more susceptible to damage.  

If you can see gaps in the pointing surrounding your building’s stone or bricks, it’s time to consider repointing. Delaying too long can mean that the bricks or stone could begin to erode from water damage. It’s much easier to repoint than to replace damaged masonry.

Can I DIY my repointing?

It’s always best to bring in the experts. You need to make sure that the mortar being used is correct for the bricks or stone that your wall is made from. For example, sometimes cement is used as a pointing material, but compared to lime mortar it’s not only less attractive but also less porous.

Because cement doesn’t allow water to drain as efficiently as lime mortar, using it for some buildings can mean that your brick or stone starts to erode over time.

An experienced masonry contractor will know which materials are best to use on your wall, and will ensure that the job is done properly. They’ll also potentially be able to spot any signs of damage to the existing brickwork. 

Remember, getting it wrong can lead to damp, or even damage the structural integrity of your building – so it’s a false economy to try and DIY your repointing.

How much does it cost to have my wall professionally repointed?

The cost will vary depending on the size of the wall, the materials used, and any existing damage to the brickwork. It’s often less expensive than people think, considering how important the pointing is to protect your building from water damage and keep it looking aesthetically pleasing.

Even better, when done properly, pointing can last upwards of 50 years – so it’s usually a once in a lifetime investment.

At Over the Top Waterproofing, we provide top-notch professional brick pointing in the Philadelphia, New Jersey, and Delaware areas. We employ only the very best masonry contractors who specialize in all areas of brick and stone pointing, repair, and replacement.

Why not contact us today for a free estimate and discover how we can make your property attractive, safe, and durable.