How to top up brick pointing?

[joejoejoe]

Hi this is a house in Sydney built in early 90s. I'm wondering what's the material of the brick pointing, and is it easy to top it up myself? Thanks.

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @joejoejoe. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about pointing.

The material used between the bricks is mortar, which is a mix of cement, sand, and sometimes lime. If you have small gaps or areas where the mortar has worn away, you can top it up yourself using fresh mortar.

The easiest way to do this is with a tuck pointer or pointing tool. Simply prepare a small batch of mortar to a stiff but workable consistency, then use the tool to push it firmly into the gaps between the bricks. Make sure to pack it in tightly so it bonds with the existing mortar. Once filled, smooth the surface to match the surrounding pointing, and allow it to cure according to the mortar’s instructions. With some patience, this can be a straightforward DIY task and will help keep your brickwork looking tidy and structurally sound.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[R4addZ]

Hi @joejoejoe 

A trick that I have used in the past to get it all smooth and level is to get a small block of wood and screw a screw into it. You adjust the screw till the head of the screw touches the existing mortar at the same time as the wood sits on the brick. Then when you have filled the mortar in, slide the block back and forth and up and down over the new mortar to clear out the excess mortar and level everything up.

[joejoejoe]

Thanks @MitchellMc and @R4addZ !

I tried Dingo Fast Set Mortar - 3kg a couple days ago and it looks good so far. There might be some colour difference but it's hard to tell.

According to the instructions I need to keep it damp for a week to let it harden.

[EricL]

Hello @joejoejoe 

The new mortar will definitely stand out as it is nice and fresh but as it completely dries out and ages a bit, it should start to match the brick walls mortar finish.

Eric