"OldScrawn" wrote in message
...
This link from the granite city of Aberdeen tells you how to repoint
properly:
http://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/acc/p...onry_notes.pdf


What a super link! Anyone got one for repointing Cotswold limestone (not
ashlar)

Exactly the same principles apply, OldScrawn - the mortar must be softer than
the stone. With the softer limestones, particularly the Oxfordshire ragstone
used for rubble walling, definitely no cement. But you see it so often, cement
mortar roughly smeared over the face of the stone, finished with a dustpan-type
brush. It harbours moisture which freezes and spalls (flakes) the face of the
stone. Don't be fooled into thinking that because soft mortar soaks up water it
must encourage dampness - it dries out almost as quickly as it gets wet.