repointing

[rowland]

I have done a search about repointing an outside wall and understand the mix for Chaux to fill in the gaps. Do I have to scrape the old stuff out before I re-fill the gaps or can I just apply the new chaux?

Thanks in advance for any advice

[Skye]

Definitely rake out the joints before repointing. If they are deep fill in with small stones before pointing. Mist the joint so it's not dry then insert the new mortar.

[Théière]

To do the job properly you need to scrape/dig out the old at least as deep as the joint is wide preferably deeper. Wet the wall to stop the water being sucked out of the new mix too quickly as it dries.

 

[rowland]

Thanks to both of you for your replies - going to do wrist strengthening exercises before I start.

[Just Chris]

If you have an SDS drill, raking out of old mortar is so much easier if you use a chisel bit...

Chris

[powerdesal]

I seem to remember a rule of thumb being to rake out a depth of 3 x the width.

[pachapapa]

[quote user="powerdesal"]I seem to remember a rule of thumb being to rake out a depth of 3 x the width.[/quote]

For pointing bricks maybe!

[broy]

Those kind of exercises can make you go blind rowland.

[canard]

How much would a professional charge for pointing? Ball park figures per square metre anyone?

and how long would it take an amateur per square metre?

[Skye]

Around 60E per square meter I understand. How much you can do in a day depends on the day but I figured around 4-5 sq meters a day this summer. Maybe more if you work flat out.

[Dave&Olive]

Hi ok

          Having done a small amount of this .....   first do not use a SDS drill / air hammer  etc. this will loosen the stone causing unseen damage .   use an air line to blow out any dust before you point and yes wet the walls first . 5-6 m2  / day  is about my limit too

       Dave

    [IMG]http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j311/daveolive/PDR_0010.jpg[/IMG]

[canard]

Thanks for the figures guys. Dave, nice work!

I reckon I've got 400 days work ahead of me. 

[Inca]

Just a suggestion,  lay some sheeting under your work area to catch droped pointing for re-use and I use a paint remover/shaver hand tool for fine gaps.

Good luck 

[BIG MAC]

Probably covered 100 times before but has anyone got a technically sound, cost effective gauge (recipe)  for repointing mortar including material brand names (if good) and costs?

[Théière]

As you BIG MAC, the mix is subject to everyone's input but from St Astier comes the truth

[pachapapa]

[quote user="Théière"]As you BIG MAC, the mix is subject to everyone's input but from St Astier comes the truth[/quote]

Reputable producers like Lafarge are so helpful placing a guide to optimal mixes with iconic buckets and wheel barrows on the back of their paper sacks, surprised that the firm from the dordogne with the underground operation exploiting a CHALKY SILICIC LIMESTONE does not also adorn their paper bags with didactic icons.