Pointing

POINTING

Pointing is the process of finishing the exposed joints in the masonry, instead of plastering the entire surface of the masonry. It consists of raking the joints to a depth of 10 mm to 20 mm and filling it with richer mortar mixes. In case of lime mortar pointing, mix used is 1 : 2 and in case of cement mortar pointing, mix used is 1 : 3. Pointing is preferably suited for stone masonry because stones are strong enough and show good resistance to penetration by water. Pointing gives perfection to joints, which is the weaker part of masonry. It also gives aesthetic view of the masonry.

TYPES OF POINTING

During the process of pointing, mortar is carefully placed in joints using a small trowel. The placed mortar should be of desired shape. Whenever the fresh mortar is placed in the joints it should be pressed hardly to gain strong bond with old interior mortar. Different types of pointing are discussed below:

❖Flush Pointing: In this type, mortar is pressed hard in the raked joints and by finishing off flush with the edge of masonry units. The edges are neatly trimmed with trowel and straight edge. It does not give good appearance. But, flush pointing is more durable because of resisting the provision of space for dust and water. Due to this reason, this method is extensively used.

❖Recessed Pointing: In this case, mortar is pressing back by 5mm or more from the edges. During placing of mortar the face of the pointing is kept vertical, by a suitable tool. This type gives very good appearance.

❖Beaded Pointing: It is formed by steel or ironed with a concave edge. It gives good appearance, but it will damage easily when compared to other types.

❖ Struck Pointing: This is a modification of flush pointing in which the face the pointing is kept inclined, with its upper edge pressed inside the face by 10mm which drains water easily.

❖ V-Groove Pointing: This is also a modification of flush pointing in which groove is formed at its mid height, by a pointing tool. V-groove is formed in the flush-finishing face which gives good appearance.

❖ Weathered Joint Pointing: As the name suggests, this type of joint gives adequate protection against weathering. However, it requires a comparatively large quantity of water.

❖ Keyed Joint Pointing: This pointing is made by forming a semicircle inside the pointing with a tool, after filling the joints with mortar. The pointing gives an elegant appearance.

❖ Tuck Pointing: In this case mortar is pressed in the raked joint first and is finishing flush with the face. While the pressed mortar is green, groove or narrow channel is cut in the center of groove which is having 5mm width and 3mm depth. This groove is then filled with white cement putty, kept projecting beyond the face of the joint by 3 mm. if projection is done in mortar, it is called bastard pointing or half tuck pointing.

COMPARISON BETWEEN PLASTERING AND POINTING

The following are some of the differences between plastering and pointing

S.No

Plastering

It is applied on the entire wall surface mod, tot been ad

It gives smooth surface finish

Defective workmanship in masonry can be covered up by plastering

Further finishing works like works

Pointing

It is done only at the exposed joints

It does not provide smooth surface

Well built masonry work can be shown by doing pointing work at the joints

It acts as a base for white washing white washing cannot be done