Which Type of Mortar Should I Be Using When Repointing My House?

If you have been thinking about repairing your old crumbling mortar by repointing it, you might be wondering which type of mortar is the best to use. With the average repointing job being such a large and time-consuming task, it is important that you don’t buy the wrong kind of mortar or you may be forced to make repairs again in the near future.

With so many different kinds of mortar to choose from, how do you know which kind of mortar is best for your particular repointing project? The answer to this question depends on the type of mortar that was used during the original masonry. It is important to use a similar and compatible mortar when repointing so that the new mortar will better bond to the surfaces and not crumble or erode away prematurely.

If you are like most people, you probably don’t have the slightest idea as to what kind of mortar was used during the original masonry. Fortunately, this isn’t a problem. An architectural conservator can analyze the components of your original mortar and recommend to you the best repointing mortar for the job.

Once you know which type of repointing mortar is best for your project, all there is left to do is carefully remove the old and crumbling mortar and replace it with the new mortar. Properly repaired mortar typically lasts for around 25 to 50 years, so be sure that you use the right kind of mortar the first time around and follow any directions carefully so that your repairs will last for as long as or longer than expected.