Repoint Brick or Block Mortar Joints

A. Finished-Project Specification

Deliverable: one repointed joint area within the marked repair limits, with deteriorated mortar removed to the specified depth, joint cavities cleaned and prepared, compatible repointing mortar packed in controlled compacted lifts, joints tooled to match the surrounding profile and texture, brushed clean, protected through cure, and documented on the Repointing Record with a completed inspection.

B. Repair Item Schedule

Item	What Is Checked	Tool or Method	Recorded Result
Deterioration cause	Cracking, bulging, movement, loose units, moisture, salts, failed flashing, mortar age	Visual, moisture meter, photo	Ordinary Deterioration / Stop-Work, with photo reference
Mortar match	Hardness, color, aggregate, permeability compared to original mortar	Test area, visual comparison	Compatible / Not Compatible, with description
Removal depth	Depth of removed mortar at each joint section	Tape measure or depth gauge	Pass / Deficient, with measurement
Unit edge condition	Chipping, spalling, or damage to unit edges during removal	Visual	Pass / Deficient, with photo reference
Cavity cleanliness	Loose mortar, dust, and debris remaining in the joint	HEPA vacuum, visual, flashlight	Pass / Deficient
Compaction and fill depth	Lift compaction and total fill depth against specification	Visual, tuck-pointer feel, depth check	Pass / Deficient
Joint profile and texture	Tooled profile compared against adjacent original joints	Visual, straightedge	Pass / Deficient, with photo reference
Cure protection	Coverage against rain, sun, wind, heat, and freezing during cure	Visual	Pass / Deficient

C. Documentation Requirements

• Photographs: at least one photograph of the deteriorated joints before removal, the cleaned cavity before packing, and the completed tooled repair.
• Mortar record: original mortar description, selected repointing mortar product or mix proportions, and the compatibility comparison result.
• Removal record: measured removal depth and method used at each section of the repair area.
• Cure record: the protection method used and the duration the repair was protected before cover removal.

D. Acceptance Standards

Check	Standard
Deterioration cause	Ordinary mortar-age deterioration only; structural movement, active settlement, bulging, widespread cracking, or unresolved water entry is a Stop-Work condition requiring referral before repointing proceeds
Mortar compatibility	Repointing mortar is no harder and no less permeable than the original mortar, and matches the specified or approved color and aggregate; a mismatch found in the test area is corrected before the full repair proceeds
Removal depth	Deteriorated mortar removed to the depth stated in the approved repair specification, measured at each joint section, without widening the joint or damaging unit edges
Cavity cleanliness	No loose mortar, dust, or debris remaining in the joint cavity after HEPA vacuuming; joint dampened only where the mortar specification requires it, with no standing surface water at the time of packing
Compaction and fill	Each lift compacted before the next is added; joint filled to the specified depth with no voids at the back of the joint
Joint profile and texture	Tooled profile matches the adjacent original joint profile and texture within visual inspection, with no smeared mortar on unit faces
Cure protection	Repair protected from rapid drying, rain, heat, and freezing for the full period stated in the mortar manufacturer's or specified cure schedule

E. Preparation — Diagnosis and Mortar Selection

1. Inspect the wall for cracking, bulging, movement, loose units, moisture, salts, failed flashing, and mortar deterioration. Photograph every condition found before marking the repair limits.
2. Stop work if deterioration is caused by structural movement or unresolved water entry. Document the condition and refer it to the responsible design or inspection authority before proceeding.
3. Identify original unit type, mortar hardness, color, aggregate, profile, and joint dimensions. Record each on the Project Identification Record.
4. Select compatible repointing mortar. Confirm hardness, permeability, color, and aggregate against the original mortar using a small test-area removal where needed.
5. Do not use mortar harder or less permeable than permitted for the existing masonry. Reject any proposed mortar that fails this comparison and select a compatible alternative before proceeding.

F. Work-Area Setup and Marking

1. Establish dust and silica controls. Set up wet-cutting or local-exhaust methods and HEPA vacuum equipment before opening any joint.
2. Protect adjacent units and finishes. Cover or mask surfaces within the splash and dust radius of the repair area.
3. Mark repair limits. Outline the approved repair area on the wall and record its dimensions on the Repointing Record.

G. Removal and Cavity Preparation

1. Remove deteriorated mortar to the specified depth using hand tools or controlled power tools. Work joint by joint within the marked repair limits, measuring depth as you proceed.
2. Avoid widening joints or damaging unit edges. Control chisel and grinder contact to stay within the original joint width.
3. Remove mortar completely from corners and back surfaces. Confirm no deteriorated mortar remains at the back of the joint before cleaning.
4. Vacuum dust using HEPA equipment. Clear all loose mortar, dust, and debris from the joint cavity.
5. Rinse or dampen joints where required. Apply water only as specified by the repointing mortar's mixing and bonding requirements.
6. Allow excessive surface water to dissipate. Confirm no standing water remains in the joint before packing begins.

H. Packing, Tooling, and Cure Protection

1. Mix small repointing batches. Size each batch to the working time of the selected mortar and the area that can be packed before it begins to stiffen.
2. Pack mortar into the back of the joint in controlled lifts. Use the pointing trowel or tuck pointer to fully engage the back of the cavity first.
3. Compact each lift before adding the next. Confirm each lift is firm and void-free before placing additional mortar.
4. Fill the joint to the specified depth and profile. Bring the final lift flush with the surrounding original joint surface.
5. Tool the joint when properly firm. Wait until the mortar reaches the correct thumbprint-hard condition before tooling.
6. Match adjacent joint profile and texture. Use the jointer identified for the original profile and work in the same direction as the surrounding work.
7. Brush loose crumbs after tooling. Use the stiff or soft brush without smearing mortar onto unit faces.
8. Protect the repair from rapid drying, rain, heat, and freezing. Install curing covers for the full period stated in the mortar's cure schedule.

I. Inspection and Documentation

1. Inspect bond, depth, compaction, edge damage, color, profile, and cleanliness. Compare every result against the Acceptance Standards table.
2. Document mortar and cure. Record the mortar product or mix, removal depths, cure method and duration, and the final inspection result on the Repointing Record.