Pointing
Types of Pointing

It is used to denote the finishing of mortar joints either in stonemasonry or brick masonry

Pointing is carried out as follow

• The joints to be covered by pointing is raked to a depth of 15mm.
• The dust is removed by using brushes.
• Some joints, so as the wall surface is well washed also kept wet for fewer hours before pointing.
• The mortar is placed in the joints in the desired shape.

Object /Advantages

• To prevent rainwater either dampness in the joint.
• Protects the joint from the adverse effect of the atmosphere
• To improve the appearance of the surface structure
• To prevent the entrance of dust also dirt at joint.
• To identify the defective workmanship of joints

Types of pointing

1. Flush pointing
2. Cut or weathered or struck pointing
3. V-grooved pointing
4. Keyed or grooved pointing.
5. Tuckpointing
6. Beaded pointing 

Flush pointing

• This is the simplest type in pointing
• Extensively used in brickwork and stone masonry work
• Into this type, the mortar is pressed toward the raked joints including finished off including the edges of the bricks either stones
• It gives a smooth appearance

Cut or weathered or struck pointing

• During that type, the mortar is first pressed toward the raked joints.
• While the mortar is still green, the top of the horizontal joints is neatly pressed back by 3 to 6 mm. with the pointing tool.
• Each joint is finished sloping of the head of the joint on its bottom.

V-grooved pointing

• This type of pointing is made comparable to keyed either grooved pointing by pleasantly shaping the edge of the steel rod to be used for forming the groove.

Keyed or grooved pointing

• In this type, that mortar is pressed toward the raked joints also finished off flush with the single face of the wall.
• A groove is made by running the bent edge of a small steel rod (6 mm in diameter) straight along the middle of the joints.
• The vertical joints do also finished within the identical manner