REPOINTING HISTORIC MASONRY STRUCTURES

Most exterior masonry work will need repointing at some point to replace deteriorated mortar in joints and reduce weathering effects on the masonry. A new standard has been developed on repointing historic masonry structures that provides guidance on determining which joints to repoint, evaluating techniques for mortar removal, determining appropriate repointing mortar and executing the repointing work. This paper summarizes the new standard while providing a historical background on mortar and a description of the products available today.