How to Point a Large Brick Wall

Brick is one of the most popular construction materials that can be used on the exterior of the home. Known for its durability and versatility, brick walls add warmth and character to the home's appearance, while protecting the building from the elements. Brick is fairly expensive, so it's important to make it last as long as possible. While the brick itself is tough to damage, the mortar that holds it together can chip and crack over time due to water infiltration, which then contracts and expands as the temperature changes, causing damage to mortar that can ultimately damage the brick. The process of repairing the mortar is called "pointing" or "re-pointing," and while it is fairly simple, it is a long and tedious process that requires a great deal of patience.

Things You'll Need

• Chisel
• Hammer
• Pointing trowel
• Mortar
• Water
• Bucket
• Mortar bag
• Brick pointing tool

Instructions

1. Protect your eyes from injury by wearing safety glasses while you work.

2. Use a hammer and chisel to chip away the old mortar. Work in one small section at a time, no more than a few square feet. For mortar that is too deep to reach with your chisel, it may be necessary to use your pointing trowel to dislodge it.

3. Mix your mortar and water in a bucket. Only mix as much as you are going to use on one section at a time, because the mortar will dry too quickly to be useful later.

4. Fill the grout bag with mortar, then insert the tip of the bag into the space between the bricks. Squeeze the bags and completely fill the joint with the mortar.

5. Use a pointing tool to shape the joint. The pointing tool will form a curved or straight groove, depending on the tool you are using, and will finish off the appearance of the mortar.

6. Repeat Steps 2 to 5, working in small sections at a time. This process could take several days, depending on how large your wall is.

Tips & Warnings

• Use lime mortar if your brick is older and softer. Typically, this includes brick that was installed before the 1930s. If your brick was installed after the 1930s, it's OK to use regular concrete mortar. We do this to ensure that the mortar is softer than the brick, which keeps the brick from being damaged by water infiltration.

• Brick work like this should only be done when temperatures are consistently above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, even at night. Temperatures colder than this will cause the mortar to crack.