What is the best mix for pointing brickwork?

A typical mortar mix for Repointing purposes, for use in an area subject to normal weather conditions, would comprise 1 part Portland Cement, 1 part Lime and 5½ parts Sand.

What is the mix of sand and cement for pointing?

Standard mix for wall pointing: 5 parts building sand, 1 part cement, add plasticiser to manufacturers instructions. Use maximum amount when mixing by hand. Patio slabs or exposed brickwork, you may need a stronger mix. For example - 3:1 sand / cement.

What type of mortar to use for brick repointing?

Type O mortar, or high-lime mortar, a softer mortar with a low compressive strength of 350 psi, is best suited to repointing for several reasons. The first reason is that type O mortar is softer than the older bricks, and it allows the bricks to expand or contract from temperature changes or stress.

What is the best mix for brick mortar?

Tip 2 – Mix the Mortar Correctly

For normal house bricks, a ratio of 4 parts sand to 1 part cement can be used. For slightly softer or second-hand bricks, use a ratio of 5-1. For very soft bricks, some bricklayers will go with a very weak 6-1 mix.

Do you need plasticiser for pointing?

Plasticiser in pointing mortar

Again plasticiser is not necessary to make the mortar for pointing a patio with a trowel. You can add if you have or skip it when making the mortar the poitining and you're going the traditional way for pointing that's with a trowel.

Repointing Old Brickwork - Best Mix

Can you use washing up liquid instead of plasticiser?

Washing-up liquid

Washing up liquid is commonly used as a plasticiser in cement mortar. However, it is thought to affect the long-term structural integrity of the mortar as it can add too much air, thereby creating bubbles. The surfactants in washing up liquid may also produce foam if used in excess.

What mix do you use for pointing?

Cement and sand mixed with water makes concrete. Cement and sand, with the addition of plasticizer or lime (all mixed with water)makes a building or pointing mortar.

Should I use plasticiser in mortar?

Add plasticisers and other additives to the mortar mix to improve workability, but only if needed. Use only products specifically designed as a mortar additive. Use pre-mixed or factory-made mortar to ensure consistency throughout.

Does adding more cement make mortar stronger?

To make the concrete stronger, add more cement or less sand. The closer you bring the ratio to an even one-to-one of sand to cement, the stronger the rating becomes.

Can you use sharp sand for pointing?

Sharp sand can be used for pointing patios as it wouldn't cause any problem while pointing but will notice a different texture and finish after it has been dried compared to building sand.

What is the difference between Type M and Type S mortar mix?

Type S mortar is used in structural load-bearing applications and for exterior applications at or below grade. It also provides increased resistance to freeze-thaw deterioration. Type M is a high-strength mortar that may be considered for load bearing or demanding freeze-thaw applications.

How do you mix mortar for pointing bricks?

Mortar Mix for Pointing

The preferable mortar mix ratio for pointing is 1-part mortar and either 4 or 5 parts building sand. The ratio will vary depending on what exactly is being pointed. For bricklaying, you will usually want a 1:4 ratio with plasticiser added to the mixture.

Should you wet bricks before pointing?

Give your brick wall a good soaking with a hose and let it sit overnight. This will ensure that the bricks and old mortar are hydrated and that they don't suck the water out of the new mortar you'll place between them the next day.

How do I make a dry mix for pointing?

Use a dry-ish building sand, plastering sand or, if so desired, a Kiln Dried Jointing sand. Some installers like to use a coarser or sharp sand, but this can result in a rough-looking finish when used for dry grouting. A 3:1 ratio of sand and cement are mixed without the addition of ANY water. None.

What sand is best for repointing?

Sharp sand gives the best bond but rounded grains are often found in older mortars. All aggregates should be washed and free from impurities. Moisture Inhibitors. These chemical additives designed for use with cement mixes should never be used with historic buildings.

How much plasticiser do I need for mortar?

Add Thompson's Mortar Plasticiser to a rate: 150ml- 500ml per 50kg of cement, depending upon degree of plasticising required, or 2.5 lire per 200 litre drum of water. (The coarser the sand the greater addition rate required).

What is the mix ratio for brick mortar?

For a standard mortar mix this normally on a ratio basis (usually around 3 or 4 parts building sand to 1 part cement) recommendations vary – but you don't want the mixture to be too wet or too dry.

What is the cement to sand ratio for mortar?

A typical mortar mix ratio is 1 cement : 3 sand.

Can you put PVA in mortar?

PVA in Cement and Mortar

PVA can be added to a cement mortar mix to give the mix a) slightly better waterproofing qualities and b) advanced adhesion to the surface it is applied to. Painting a coat of PVA on the surface before the cement mortar is applied can even further increase this adhesion.

Is sharp sand OK for bricklaying?

Mortar is typically used for bricklaying and pointing. Sharp sand is ideal for mixing with other sands to increase the strength of the mortar and for when it needs to be less workable. A key benefit of adding sharp sand to the mortar mix is that it can prevent cracking during the drying process.

How much plasticiser do I mix with?

Squeeze the bottle until the liquid in the cup rises to the correct level, 8 – 12ml per 25kg of cement is recommended for most uses.

Can I use silver sand for pointing?

Repointing and Pointing Patio Joints

For joints which are less than ½ an inch (13mm) you should use silver sand. This is more commonly called playpit sand. The sand is mixed with cement at a ratio of 1 to 1 and spread out to dry thoroughly. Do not mix on the patio.

What is plasticiser used for?

Plasticizers are used to convert PVC, a rigid plastic, into a soft, flexible, and elastic material. A plasticizer that is compatible with PVC and exhibits low volatility, good permanence, and high efficiency is referred to as a primary plasticizer.

What is lime for pointing?

Uses: Limelite Heritage Lime Pointing Mortar is used for repointing brick and stone work, but mainly use for brick slip applications.