When you are performing any kind of pointing, it’s essential to keep in mind the tools, materials, and techniques you’re using. When it comes to keyed pointing, this process involves finishing mortar joints with a V-shaped groove, which helps in excellent water shedding, protects your masonry for the long term, enhances the visual appeal, and offers moisture control to your masonry. Be it repointing or keyed pointing, it all looks very easy to perform, but deep down, it takes a lot of effort and accuracy, because even a common mistake can weaken the mortar joints and lead to hefty masonry repairs.
In this blog, we’ll explore the common mistakes that lead your masonry to destruction while keyed pointing:
Why Proper Keyed Pointing Is Essential?
- Protects against moisture by directing water away from joints
- Improves appearance with neat, uniform lines
- Strengthens the bond between the Mortar and the bricks
- Extends building life by reducing damage from weather
For practical applications, see when is keyed pointing most commonly used? to know where this technique works best.
Common Mistakes To Avoid In Keyed Pointing
Here are some of the noticeable mistakes that one can make during keyed pointing. These mistakes should be avoided during key pointing as they can cause blunders in your masonry.
Using the Incompatible Mortar
- Too strong: when the Mortar is harder than the bricks, it results in cracking.
- Too weak: when it’s soft, the mortar crumbles easily
- Solution:
- Use cement-based mixes for modern work
- Use lime-based mixes for older, heritage structures
To understand how mortar quality impacts performance, check how does keyed pointing improve mortar strength? for related insights.
Improper Joints
- Problem: Old Mortar, dust, or debris left in joints weakens adhesion
- Fix:
- Rake out joints to 15–20 mm depth
- Brush clean
- Lightly dampen before applying new Mortar
Neglecting Moisture Damage
- Too dry bricks: Suck moisture from the Mortar, making it brittle
- Too wet: Mortar becomes weak and washed out
- Fix:
- Lightly dampen bricks
- Avoid heavy rain or direct sun during application.
Irregular Mortar Profile
- Result: Uneven appearance and weak joints
- Fix:
- Maintain uniform depth across the wall
- Use a steady hand with the pointing tool
Speed over quality
- Effect: Incomplete filling, gaps, poor finish
- Fix:
- Compact Mortar carefully
- Finish one section before moving to the next
Over-applying pressure
- Problem: Excessively using the tools can draw water to the surface, which leads to a powdery finish
- Fix:
- Wait until the Mortar is firm but workable
- Use the tool only once for smooth results
Unclean Brick Faces
- Issue: Permanent stains and an untidy look
- Fix:
- Protect delicate bricks with tape
- Clean immediately with a damp cloth/brush
Ignoring Weather Constraints
- Hot & dry: Mortar cracks
- Cold: Mortar fails to cure
- Rain: Mortar washed out
- Fix:
- Work in mild, dry weather
- Use curing sheets in hot or cold conditions
Improper Mortar Packing
- Issue: the hollow joints trap water and lead to freeze-thaw damage
- Fix:
- Press mortar firmly into joints with a trowel
- Then finish with the keying tool
Incorrect Tool usage
- Effect: Messy joints, weak finish
- Fix:
- Use a proper pointing trowel
- Use a concave or V-shaped keying tool
Ignoring Aftercare Practices
- Problem: Mortar shrinks, cracks, and weakens
- Fix:
- Mist with water or cover with damp hessian sheets
- Protect from wind, sun, and frost for a few days
Conclusion
In conclusion, keyed pointing is the commonly used method for decorating the masonry, but it’s essential to perform it in the right way with proper tools and materials. The above-mentioned common mistakes can cause severe damage to your masonry and reduce the life of your brickwork, while neglecting the repairs can compromise its strength.
Sardar Restoration Corp. proudly serves every corner of NYC, including the Bronx, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Westchester, and Queens. Our services are designed to meet your needs, providing top-quality solutions wherever you are. Check our service areas to see how we can assist you in your location.
Contact us today at (+1) 917-355-8556 or sardarrestoration@gmail.com, or visit us at 2770 Fish Ave, Bronx, NY 10469, United States.
FAQs
Do you repair old or damaged mortar joints?
Yes! Sardar Restoration Corp. delivers outstanding results by removing deteriorated Mortar and replacing it with new Mortar using keyed pointing methods to ensure your masonry lasts for decades.
Do you work on both residential and commercial projects?
Yes! Sardar Restoration Corp. offers keyed-pointing services on both residential and commercial projects, ensuring the best outcomes with customer satisfaction.
How do you prevent mortar smears on the bricks?
We use sharp and precise tools to remove the excess mortar smears that are left behind in the masonry, providing extravagant and neat finishes to your brickwork.
Can you fix loose or shifting bricks along with pointing?
Yes! Sardar Restoration Corp. can skillfully fix the loose bricks, depending on their condition, whether they need to be repaired or replaced. Along with that, we also perform pointing services with the compatible mortar blend.
