Thin gap pointing

[Nuggets]

Anyone know what products can be used or how to re-point thin line brickwork.

Normal pointing would obviously just smear the brickwork with mortar and not get much in the gap.

This is old engineering brickwork with 5-7mm gap between bricks. I have seen that using something like Geofix has been tried, bu that has just dried up and fallen out.

The problem is penetrating damp through the mortar causing mold inside. I need something that will go in to the gap after the old mortar has been raked out.

 

[tony1851]

If it's red engineering brick, have you considered red mastic? Its a lot finer than cement mortar and goes in narrow gaps easily.
Aside from that, are you sure it's penetrating damp and not just condensation?

 

[Nuggets]

Thanks, but Geofix or red mastik has been tried but that has just dried up and fallen out.

 

[peaps2]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001DZI3WI/?tag=hydra0b-21&hvadid=9550951629&ref=asc_df_B001DZI3WI

 

[^woody^]

If you can't repoint this with proper mortar without smearing, then find a proper bricklayer who can.

Semi-dry mortar will go in no problem

 

[stuart45]

It could be lime mortar. If so repoint with lime mortar. For tight joints you need an aggregate with a smaller particle size. Try using a finer sand.
You also need a thin jointer to get the mortar in.

 

[joe-90]

The trick is to grind out, damp down then wait until your pointing mix has started to go off (about an hour) - you then use a pointing trowel to get a nice thin sliver, slot it in and smooth off.

If you use the mortar fresh it will smear everywhere.

Jobs I did 25 years ago are still perfect today.

 

[ABCwarrior]

I know masons who've had to repoint red sandstone ashlar work- 3-4 mm beds and joints. They resorted to using masking tape(paper decorators stuff) to protect the edges of the stonework because with lovely white lime mortar it saves cleaning the stonework after. You could try this technique but it won't work on damp stone/brick and doesn't stick that long either!!!