Basics of Repointing Brick & Stone with Lime Mortar

The decision to repoint a masonry structure is most often related to some obvious signs of deterioration, such as disintegrating mortar, cracks in mortar joints, loose bricks or stones, or damp walls. On the surface, restoration projects may appear straightforward and intuitive, but there’s no substitute for skill and experience. Good repointing practices guarantee the long life of the mortar joint, the wall, and the historic structure. This hands-on workshop introduces the basic principles and work practices needed to repoint vintage brick and/or stone structures using breathable lime mortar supplied by LimeWorks.us. The lecture, demonstrations and hands-on exercises cover the properties of natural hydraulic lime mortars; tips for selecting and mixing lime mortars; and cleaning, filling, repointing, and tooling certain mortar joints. Under the guidance of experienced masons from LimeWorks.us, participants will practice their skills on mock-up panels or historic structures undergoing restoration at our facility. Prior masonry experience is not required.