Keeping traditional decorative finishing techniques alive

Era Correct Decorative Pointing

Joint finishing is the final step of any masonry build. Whether a century ago or today. Unfortunately the techniques even for the most rudimentary pointing styles of yesteryear have no place in new high output masonry builds and have been lost with the desire for production.
Historic Brick Company is specialized in not only lime mortar pointing but also the correct tooling, finishing and even manufacture of custom profile tools to match your existing mortar. From a weather cut to double cut backs to raised and ribbon jointing to grapevine we will not only match the mix and colour of your historic mortar but tool it for a seamless matching appearance.

Historic Repointing Services

How simple is the task of repointing a heritage building? With a foundational knowledge of lime mortars including, natural hydraulic limes, non-hydraulic limes, hot mixes, pozzalonic action, and air entraining additives coupled with years of technical pointing experience; very simple.

There is a plethora of different jointing styles, the first step is identifying the joint and a corresponding tool to replicate it. This particular bead required a custom cut jointing tool to mimic the very small bead.

Raised ribbon pointing, maybe one of the most aesthetically pleasing ways to accentuate stone work. The mortar mixing is half of the battle when preforming this style of pointing. A balance of hardness, durability and low shrinkage must be achieved, and with lime mortar as to not damage the original substrate behind the pointing. This involves a specialty mixture of slaked lime, natural hydraulic lime and pozzalons.

The grapevine bead is a very common joint on historic brick in Southern Ontario. It’s a beautiful way to add a bit of elegant complexity to brick. It also causes an illusion, making the joints look finer and more consistent. It takes care to preform in lime mortar as the action of striking a joint with an aggressive bead can cause the bead mortar to become unconsolidated from the existing mortar within the joint. If done improperly the consequence is the bead will begin to flake off of the wall with minor weathering.

Interested In Learning More?

Related Articles

LET'S START YOUR RESTORATION