Historic Mortar - Technical Assistance Articles

Maintaining Historic Masonry

Source: "Your Old House"- Masonry
Author: Patterson, Robert M.
Summary: In addition to information on how to inspect and analyze masonry problems, and masonry repair procedures, there are illustrations of various brick and stone jointing styles.
Web Address: http://www.vancouverheritagefoundation.org/articles/yohmasonry.html

Brick Repair: The Hard Facts

Source: Old House Authority
Author: Duke, Maurice (editing and photography)
Summary: Contains information on how to restore and maintain historic masonry. Pictures of good and bad examples of repointing work included.
Web Address: http://www.oldhouseauthority.com/archive/brick_article.php

Repointing Brick

Source: This Old House
Author: Rist, Curtis
Summary: This article details a repointing project done by professional masons from start to finish. Some pictures are included.
Web Address: http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,232787,00.html

How to Repair Mortar in a Brick Wall

Source: This Old House
Author: Palousek, Danny
Summary: This step by step guide on repointing has pictures that demonstrate each step, as well as a shopping list and a tools list.
Web Address: http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/how-to/intro/0,,20268891,00.html

Repointing Mortar Joints in Masonry

Source: REMR Technical Notes CS-MR-9.5
Summary: This article focuses on proper repointing techniques. Look here to find out about proper removal methods, mortar selection, mixture proportions and aging and curing.
Web Address: http://www.wes.army.mil/REMR/pdf/cs/mr-9-5.pdf

Brick Maintenance and Repair for Historic and Landmark Structures

Source: ournal of Architectural Technology
Author: Sanders, Arthur,
Summary: This article has information on how to tell if brick or masonry is in need of repair, and includes a useful chart of symptoms and possible causes. Also included are instructions on how to budget and schedule repairs; a repointing primer; and glossary
Web Address: http://hoffmannarchitects.com/public/journa/direct/pdfs/vol24n1.pdf

Walls: Repointing Brickwork

Source: W.R. Dunn & Co., Historic Building Consultants
Summary: This fact sheet gives background information on repointing (what is it and why it needs to be done), causes of pointing failure, mortar selection, and best practices in repointing. Pictures showing good and bad examples of repointing included.
Web Address: http://www.mod.uk/NR/rdonlyres/741EBDE7-6F70-4138-8463-CA0A9DBA6688/0/401.pdf

Review of Factors Affecting the Durability of Repointing Mortars for Older Masonry

Source: National Research Council Canada
Author: Maurenbrecher, A.H.P.,
Summary: This paper covers forms of mortar failure, how to select the appropriate mortar for durability and performance, preparing mortar joints, mixing mortar, applying mortar, curing conditions, and maintenance.
Web Address: http://www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/obj/irc/doc/pubs/nrcc44760/nrcc44760.pdf

Repointing Brick & Stonework

Source: Building Conservation Survey
Author: Elmbridge.gov
Summary: This advisory leaflet includes a 5 step repointing procedure, advice for when an individual brick has to be replaced, information on why and when to repoint, the role of mortar, and rules of thumb for repointing repairs. Illustrations are included.
Web Address: http://www.elmbridge.gov.uk/Elmbridge%20Borough%20Council/Building%20Control/AdvisoryLeaflet3RepointingBrickandStonework.pdf

A Guide to Repointing Stone and Brickwork

Source: Nottinghamshire County Council
Summary: n this article find out when to repoint and information on good repointing practices, mortar materials selection and how to mix them and the correct tools for the job. Article includes advice on how to remedy some possible problems you may run into.
Web Address: http://www.bassetlaw.gov.uk/pdf/Repointing%202007.pdf

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