Mortar Pointing, Meaning, Purpose, and Finish
Understanding Mortar Pointing
Mortar pointing is the process of filling and finishing the joints between bricks or brick slips using mortar. It is carried out after brickwork or brick slip installation to complete the wall both visually and functionally.
Pointing plays a critical role in the appearance, durability, and weather resistance of brickwork. The choice of mortar mix and pointing style significantly affects how the finished wall looks and performs.
Purpose of Mortar Pointing
The main purpose of mortar pointing is to seal the joints between bricks and protect the wall from moisture ingress while creating a clean and consistent finish.
Key reasons mortar pointing is essential include:
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Sealing joints to reduce water penetration.
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Binding brickwork together visually.
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Protecting edges of bricks from weather exposure.
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Defining the overall appearance of the brickwork.
Good pointing improves both performance and aesthetics.
Mortar Pointing in Traditional Brickwork
In traditional brick construction, mortar pointing is carried out as part of the bricklaying process or during repointing work on older walls. Correct joint depth, compaction, and finish are essential for long term durability.
Different pointing styles are used depending on architectural style, exposure level, and desired appearance.
Mortar Pointing with Brick Slips
With brick slips, mortar pointing is applied after the slips have been fixed to the wall and the adhesive has cured. Mortar is pressed into the joints and finished to the chosen style, such as flush, recessed, bucket handle, or weather struck.
Accurate spacing during installation is critical, as the quality of mortar pointing largely determines how realistic the bricbrick slip installation appears.
Mortar Pointing and Slips from Stock
At Slips from Stock, our brick slips are designed to work with suitable pointing mortars to achieve clean, consistent joints. When applied correctly, mortar pointing completes the bricbrick slip system and delivers a professional brickwork finish.
Mortar pointing is more than a finishing step. It is a key part of brickwork performance and appearance. Whether used with full bricks or brick slips, well executed pointing ensures durability, protection, and a visually authentic result.