Repointing a brick wall do i use a gun?

tony6403

This is an interesting thread.
An extract from a book written by Jon Collinson about bricklaying :-
"The mortar used for re-pointing should generally match the strength of the bricks and be a mix of cement, lime and sand. Suggested mix proportions for most applications would be 1:2:8. Walling that is more exposed to the weather would probably require a stronger mix, such as 1:1:6. Avoid using a harsh sand/cement mix that omits lime, as the mortar will set too quickly and will form a weak bond with the bricks that is easily loosened by frost."

cyclonebri1

tony6403 wrote: »

This is an interesting thread.
An extract from a book written by Jon Collinson about bricklaying :-
"The mortar used for re-pointing should generally match the strength of the bricks and be a mix of cement, lime and sand. Suggested mix proportions for most applications would be 1:2:8. Walling that is more exposed to the weather would probably require a stronger mix, such as 1:1:6. Avoid using a harsh sand/cement mix that omits lime, as the mortar will set too quickly and will form a weak bond with the bricks that is easily loosened by frost."

I should have said, I always use retarder for just that reason as unless you have raked out to a very substantial depth, any mortar will dry too quickly. I've never considered lime as a retarder but I guess it is as it allows more movement whilst setting off, but the end result is still too soft for max longevity IMHO.;)