what is repointing brick

Repointing brick is the process of renewing the external part of mortar joints in masonry construction. Over time, weathering and decay cause voids in the joints between masonry units, usually in bricks, allowing the undesirable entrance of water. Water entering through these voids can cause significant damage through frost weathering and from salt dissolution and deposition. Repointing consists of removing a portion of the deteriorated mortar and redoing the joints with new mortar, which halts any further water infiltration through the mortar and behind the brick wall, avoiding any mortar crumbling or bulging brick and saving the wall (or any part of it) from collapsing. The process involves chipping out the old mortar and replacing it with new mortar. Repointing should only be done when temperatures remain between 40 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, even at night, as cold makes mortar brittle, while heat dries it out and prevents proper curing. The process can be done by professionals or DIY enthusiasts with the right tools, supplies, and basic techniques. The steps to repointing brick include locating and identifying the problem areas, removing any loose mortar, matching the existing mortar as closely as possible, chiseling out a small piece and taking it to the home center to find the best match color, and using basic tools for the job. The cost of repointing brick can vary, but it can cost anywhere between $14 and $22 per square foot.