I need help selecting a mortar for tuck pointing. I have a 105 year
old house that needs some tuck pointing. The mortar is white and is
about ¼ inch thick. I would like a white mortar if possible, but I
think it would be more important for the mortar to be strong and binds
to the brick strongly.

I've been to HD and Lowes and did a little Web searching. I see so
many different types of mortars. Is it better to use a mortar with a
polymer or latex in it?

I plan to use a group bag for pointing, if this would make a
difference.

Thanks for taking the time to read this.

-mike

Let me quote some professional advice I've seen published by experts:
1) do not remove old mortar with disk grinder- small air-hammer like
those by Trow & Holden are much preferable.
2) do not use modern hard mortar mix with old (softer) bricks, unless
you want to destroy them. Apparently the major difference is the ratio
of lime to portland cement in the mix- the more lime, the more
"flexible" the mortar.

No, I didn't stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night, and do suggest
you at least consult with a local masonry restoration expert.

J

wrote:
I need help selecting a mortar for tuck pointing. I have a 105 year
old house that needs some tuck pointing. The mortar is white and is
about ¼ inch thick. I would like a white mortar if possible, but I
think it would be more important for the mortar to be strong and binds
to the brick strongly.

I've been to HD and Lowes and did a little Web searching. I see so
many different types of mortars. Is it better to use a mortar with a
polymer or latex in it?

I plan to use a group bag for pointing, if this would make a
difference.

Thanks for taking the time to read this.

-mike

Let me quote some professional advice I've seen published by experts:
1) do not remove old mortar with disk grinder- small air-hammer like
those by Trow & Holden are much preferable.
2) do not use modern hard mortar mix with old (softer) bricks, unless
you want to destroy them. Apparently the major difference is the ratio
of lime to portland cement in the mix- the more lime, the more
"flexible" the mortar.

No, I didn't stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night, and do suggest
you at least consult with a local masonry restoration expert.

J

wrote:
I need help selecting a mortar for tuck pointing. I have a 105 year
old house that needs some tuck pointing. The mortar is white and is
about ¼ inch thick. I would like a white mortar if possible, but I
think it would be more important for the mortar to be strong and binds
to the brick strongly.

I've been to HD and Lowes and did a little Web searching. I see so
many different types of mortars. Is it better to use a mortar with a
polymer or latex in it?

I plan to use a group bag for pointing, if this would make a
difference.

Thanks for taking the time to read this.

-mike

Check BIA.ORG (Brick Industry Association)
Their Tech Notes cover repointing.
TB

I am doing some pointing now. I went to Loews and borrowed their sample
board and compared it to my brick mortar. They suggested an N type mortar.
Believe me pointing is an art. Getting the right consistency so that it
easy to clean up is a job. The Brick association is a big help in telling
you how to clean the brick.
wrote in message
ups.com...
I need help selecting a mortar for tuck pointing. I have a 105 year
old house that needs some tuck pointing. The mortar is white and is
about ¼ inch thick. I would like a white mortar if possible, but I
think it would be more important for the mortar to be strong and binds
to the brick strongly.

I've been to HD and Lowes and did a little Web searching. I see so
many different types of mortars. Is it better to use a mortar with a
polymer or latex in it?

I plan to use a group bag for pointing, if this would make a
difference.

Thanks for taking the time to read this.

-mike