Lime Pointing for Beginners - Preparation, removing plant life, chipping old mortar

Some advice for beginners. There's several different ways to do pointing so take from this what you can.
Any questions, please write in the comments section or feel free to contact me via my website: www.gmtpointingspecialistsltd.co.uk

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

Don't click on any links I'm getting spammed you tube is aware Please press the like button if you find my videos interesting And please subscribe

[@matthewingham7806]

Can you use buoldkng sand

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

I wouldn't You need a soft grit or sharpsand something angular to compact back into the joints with a churn brush

[@troubleshooting114]

The most important tool here! The Patience of a Saint!!!!

[@harryhoon39]

I love you so much, dont need anymore videos on how to lay bricks! Need more from you! 👍👍👍

[@ClaimOfRightMuso]

Good stuff, Glenn, top-class, extended demo. Will refer to your tutorials each time you upload, hopefully start my own work again come next Spring 👍

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

No probs if I can help let me know I've one more job to do then that's me I've had a busy year some difficult jobs my body needs a rest lol

[@ClaimOfRightMuso]

@@GMTpointingspecialistsltd Aye, you deserve a couple of pints, pal 🏆

[@timclarke1791]

Iam a bricklayer and the videos you do are very helpful and informative..cement pointing NHL lime and hot lime all have there places for different jobs ..your Always going get abuse of key board warriors because they don't like you giving tips away ..very good video pal very 👍

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

Thank you much appreciated put your business name in a comment I like to share other trades details

[@daibhiseaghdha153]

NHL lime mortar is good as it lets the rain, on the brickwork evaporate through the pointing, as well, which in turn stops the bricks " spalling " due to frost, and pointing should be sacrificial, not the brickwork, because it's easier to replace the pointing, rather than the brickwork, maybe once every 50 years or so. you are doing every body a good turn.

[@JT-si6bl]

There's someone who knows!

[@MrRambo438]

NHL is setting too hard a lot of us have been on hotlime mixes for years now

[@alasdairmunro1953]

Great demonstration!

[@simplysimon9868]

I'm repointing similar bricks. Some spalled or cracked replaced. Had to stain the new bricks to blend in. Just keeping an eye on temperature Glenn. Using Lime Base pre-mixed and nearly done a ton bag. Pump spray I've found great for keeping the mortar damp. Great video 👍

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

The house I'm on now has just over a tonne and a half I mix my own I don't use premixed I couldn't replace 50% as it's single skin in places 6 degrees and rising I don't use a really wet mix so I just cover over for a week Most people think the worst time to point is the winter imo it's not the summer is as the mix dries out quicker and you use more water keeping it damp

[@jimmeh213]

excellent educational video Glenn thanks mate

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

No problems just ask if you need any advice Feel free to subscribe or hit the notification button as I'll be doing a few more videos

[@angusgordon8783]

This is a great video. Thank you. Also not seen a pointing hod before - looks a much better option than a hawk.

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

Thank you I've always used a hod they are only cheap And last a long time They keep the moisture in the hod as well Highly recommended them

[@airborne652]

Excellent video. Just what I need for my Victorian terraced house. Some clever good for nothing has decided to patch areas up with cement so I’ve got some rectifying to do.

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

Good luck with your Project if I can be of any help give me a wattsapp message of a night time

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@@markslack6593 hi I used a good quality NHL I also used a mix of washed sharp and grit About 5 different grades of brown sand

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@@markslack6593 only if you use sand that's grey in colour Use brown sharp grit sand Put some of your sharp sand into a bucket just a hand full and over wet it if your sand makes the water a dirty grey colour or if the sand is mainly grey Don't use it I've done a video on different sands have a watch of that one see if your sands similar

[@margerykirner5604]

Great video! Thank you

[@0044512]

Great video mate, thanks. just did a cavity reclaimed brick wall with NHL 3.5 and leaving it overnight to use my churn brush, hope it turns out as nice as yours.

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

Thanks mate I use a stick to push it back first then a churn brush Good luck take your time do a small area first Try not to over work it with the churn brush

[@jamesbuckley2639]

Very helpful videos - thanks!

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

Thank you. If you have any questions feel free to ask Or wattsapp me your project and I will chat to you about it its free

[@davidpowell8]

Lots of good tips here from someone who clearly understands what they're doing and looking to do a quality job. Compare this with videos repointing around the drain pipes, no PPE, and no consideration for a nice clean face finish. Thank you

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

Thank you

[@mikede2331]

Yes top man he is, helped me learn with his video

[@ashsmith5831]

Brilliant video

[@debpugh8517]

great vid, thank you

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

Thank you If you have any questions or I can help just ask

[@flyingrabbit829]

Top draw mate well done

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@@flyingrabbit829 thanks

[@dipseadiver]

Thanks for the informative demonstration. I am needing to address similar on my house but as I am quite close to you (Bunbury), you will likely receive a call from me when I next get home. Many thanks.

[@keithdobson1353]

Great videos. I have a 1910 terraced house and its needs repointing externally plus i have to replace some bricks on my fireplace im wanting to plqce a multi fuel stove. What lime mortar mix would you recommend for both external and fireplaces?

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

Hi depends where abouts in the country you are You can use a good quality nhl 2 or 3.5( lafarge ) if you are in a high wind heavy rain part of the country If its more mild weather low winds you can use a putty or nhl 2

[@SheenaRea]

Pretty sure my house (built 1947) has the lime mortar. What mix of NHL do you recommend, and to what ratio of sand? I've read through the comments, and it seems like it can vary a bit. I can't find a company in my city who can analyze the mortar.... But what blend is breathable for softer brickwork of the 40's? Thank so much for your help. 🙂

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

Can you send me some pictures on wattsapp or fb You can take a piece of lime mortar out the wall put it in a bowl put a bit of white vinegar on it let it break down and you can see the colour of the sand used It's mainly local sand Do you have a local quarry near bye

[@MarcGray1990]

I’ve got a 1930s bay window to repoint on my house. It’s been over pointed in cement mortar which is obviously now very brittle and cracking out. Behind is a more red/pink coloured softer mortar. Would this be like mortar? I know some used hydrated lime in a cement mix. I’m thinking an nhl 3.5 for the job. As for below the damp proof course down to floor level (about 5 course) would 3.5 be ok or a stronger lime mix such as an NHL 5? Many thanks .

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

Hi just use a nhl 3.5 lafarge or Saint astier Use a washer grit or sharp sand Don't use building sand

[@MarcGray1990]

@@GMTpointingspecialistsltd thanks for your reply. Can you get it in bags ready mixed ie just add water? Think I’ve seen them online somewhere?

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@LifeOfMarc1990 google lime suppliers near me and see who has the best price

[@paulklasmann1218]

Very informative, thank you. Does that brush have a specific name or will any reasonabley stuff brush do to wack in the mortar? Thanks. I need to do this to a wall made from rock or sandstone. The mortar is crumbling to the touch.

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

Thank you it's called a churn brush cocoanut hair the one I prefer to use you can get a synthetic from Screwfix or Toolstation only about a fiver

[@paulklasmann1218]

@@GMTpointingspecialistsltd Thanks for your quick reply. I'll try to find something similar. I'm in Germany but have similar places to screw fix. Theres also lots of infill between timbersbto rebuild with the original rocks. The old mortar or whatever was used is like mud or sand and just falls away. Ive never seen anything like it. I know some folk replace the rock infill with blocks and render over them but I'd like to keep it as original as possible.

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@@paulklasmann1218 earth mortar it will probably be I'm on wattsapp and email if you want any advice or if you want to send some pictures Just Google gmt pointing specialists ltd I'd do a before and after and put it on my KZbin channel no pressure like lol

[@paulklasmann1218]

@@GMTpointingspecialistsltd Thank you very much, that's very kind of you. Sure, I'll take some pictures send them to you in a few days. I'm still busy moving stuff to the house. The oldest part was built in 1725 and most of the rest in 1821. I'll email you with some pictires of the kind of walls I need to restore. 👍

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@@paulklasmann1218 that's great thanks

[@leecarbines6767]

Hi mate just wondering what your views are on using NHL the day after its been mixed if covered with water in a bucket over night and knocked back up in the mixer ? cheers

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

Hi depending on what NHL you are using You can use it the next day If you read the data sheet it says use within 4 or 5 hrs as when you add water that's when the chemical reaction starts So yes you can use it the next day If there's not much I do a fresh mix and add it back into the mix so it's knocking up again Lime is made to be reused I even use the water again that I've cleaned the mixer and buckets with You will find Aggregate sits at the bottom Lime sits on top in a slurry then clean water sits on top Hope that helps

[@leecarbines6767]

Hi thanks for the information. It's been a bit of a running grey area especially with some clients who are against the Idea. We cover with water to slow the chemical reaction? And often add a mini mix to it the next day after draining off the water. We use 5 and 3.5 namely singleton birch. I find the mix a much better consistency than freshly made mortar

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@@leecarbines6767 hi yes it allowed to get fatty they call it works more like a putty You can ask 10 lime experts and get 10 different ways of doing it if it's what you prefer stick to it As long as it doesn't shrink or crack it's fine I always use mine on the dryer side and can easily use a full mix in the day so I never usually have any left over lol

[@leecarbines6767]

Thanks pal much appreciated

[@rosslukeshay]

Hi Glenn just wondering where did you buy the hawk and what’s it called 👍grt videos

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

Lol I'm Glenn 😁 If you go on eBay put mini pointing hod in it should pop up Or Facebook C & e pointing hod

[@rosslukeshay]

@@GMTpointingspecialistsltd thanks Glenn

[@richardgrimbleby7853]

Great video very helpful where do you get your pointing hod from please mate

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

eBay Search mini pointing hod about £10

[@richardgrimbleby7853]

@@GMTpointingspecialistsltd thank you super fast reply

[@Liam-h3v]

Thank you for another great video. Quick question if I may? How much would I charge for this type of pointing? I currently charge £70 per metre to rake out and repoint with cement in bucket handle but trying to expand into lime pointing. Thank you Liam

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@Liam-h3v £ 70 for cement and bucket handle is a good price It depends on the lime you are using Send me some pictures of your work on wattsapp and the area you cover

[@timthelamb]

Hello Glen, I've enjoyed watching your valuable instruction videos; thanks for uploading them. I'm considering buying "Lime Green Buff Coloured Natural Hydraulic Lime Mortar Nhl 3.5 (25Kg)" to re-point an 1892 orange brick back garden wall, is that a product you are familiar enough with to recommend? I'm from Carlisle, and detect what I think is a south west Scotland accent in you - am I right?

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

Hi yes thank you and yes Dalry area I was raised Yes lime green products are good Masons mortar is close to you So may supply people in your area

[@grahamsmall1250]

Hi what are you holding the mortar in before you put the mortar into the joints

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

A pointing hod I've used them for 25 years

[@JeffHill-ig9os]

Good morning. Thanks for the video - why was a like render used as opposed to a cement render. Thanks, Jeff

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

I'm not sure what your question is There's no render here this is lime pointing

[@JeffHill-ig9os]

I’m sorry - I’m using the incorrect terms - what I meant was - why was a lime mortar being used instead of a cement based mortar. Thanks, Jeff

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@JeffHill-ig9os because the house was built in lime So you put lime back in Cement will destroy the bricks and lock moisture into the wall

[@Chrisvrscrx]

I’ve got to do my 1890 house. Is pre mixed ok? Also any tips on engineering brick

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

Yeah premixed is fine Don't at to much water to it as you will have tight joints Sponge any overspill of the bricks before it sets

[@Stuartgerwyn]

Just a query. What value does pointing with lime have when the rest of the mortar is still cement ?

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

The cement has been removed from the joints a little still remains on the face of the brick It's lime built so I'm pointing lime back on top of lime I've done a couple of videos on this property you see on them that I'm removing cement pointing because it's destroying the bricks and locking moisture in the walls

[@Herdedsheep]

Hi whats the purpose of the Hessian cloth and does it need to be wet How long do you leave that on for ? Thanks Akhtar

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

Hi Hessian is damp or wet in hot months it stops the wind heat sun drying the lime out to quick In winter it stops frost from attacking the lime it clings to the hessian In winter I will use hessian bubble wrap and a tarpaulin sheet to protect it

[@JLF2305]

I am redoing the damp course and have bought a kit to do it with. I watched a few videos and in one the guy backfilled the holes with cement after injecting with the kiesol. Is this something i shouldnt do based on what you have said in this video?

[@JLF2305]

Sorry...this was meant to be commented on your other video!

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

Can you tell me what kit I didn't understand the question Are you pointing bellow a damp proof course or are you injecting liquid under the damp course ?

[@jamescraven5001]

Hi I'm new to your channel. Just seen some of your videos and I've already picked up some good tips and advice as well. What's the name of your tool you use ie when your re pointing that holds your muck.

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

It's a pointing hod I think they are about £8 on ebay

[@jamescraven5001]

@@GMTpointingspecialistsltd ohh fantastic thanks for that I shall definitely be getting one. Looks so much easier with that.. Subscribed

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@@jamescraven5001 I've used them for 25 years I can't use anything else it takes a little bit of skill to use it but if you get stuck message me and I will show you

[@jamescraven5001]

@@GMTpointingspecialistsltd yeah i will do. Thank you I appreciate that.

[@nicholasgeorgiou9758]

Hi there mate really like your videos and what you’re doing. I’m doing a little job on my house. It’s a Victorian house so I want to use a 3.5 nhl lime. What sand would you recommend and is the 4:1 with no cement? Sorry for the silly question, it’s just I’m a beginner. Do I also have to use placitser too?

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

Hi nhl 3.5 you have good and bad I use lafarge or Saint astier I mix at a 1:3 I've done a video on how to mix nhl If you wattsapp me some pictures what your doing I can give you better advice if needed

[@user-lt1fx3gd2p]

​@GMTpointingspecialistsltd Hi mate is there any chance I can WhatsApp you to recommend what mortar to point two buildings with. My building and my parents. Thanks

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

Yes mate do some close up pictures as well

[@user-lt1fx3gd2p]

@GMTpointingspecialistsltd hi mate how can I send you these photos? Also another question if this is OK? What would I expect to pay if I decided to get someone in to do it. Raking out and pointing on a sqm basis just so I don't get ripped off. I'm a electrician by trade and useful with tools but sometimes it's easier to go to work and then pay someone but don't want to get ripped off.( however I do like a challenge and would keep me busy on the weekends when I'm not busy as hate watching TV 👍) Thanks for your time

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@@user-lt1fx3gd2p google gmt pointing specialists lts and wattsapp them me

[@fatbob785]

Hi great video, could you tell me what I should be using to point over the old black motar and what mix ratio thank you

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

I can't really answer without more info You will need lime mortar If you want it black again use a Coal ash or soot or a black pigment not a cement dye You could send a piece lime away to be analyzed If it's a protected are you can use a lime putty Or if it's in a high wind and heavy rain area use a NHL 2 or 3.5 Lafarge or saint astier are the 2 brands I'd recommend

[@peterfcoyle9127]

Glenn, hope you are doing well. The use of NHL 3.5 or 5. Will these mortars dissipate water in the same way as hydrated lime mortar? I realize they are harder and the rule of thumb is never having a mortar harder than the material. For instance, can NHL 5 be used for brickwork in an area where you have a freeze thaw cycle throughout the winter.?

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

Nhl have a bad reputation for being hard that's only on poor quality limes Nhl 3.5 or 5 is fine at wicking away water make sure you use a sharp sand not building sand Where abouts do you live

[@peterfcoyle9127]

Glenn, I live in Pennsylvania. NHL3.5 is very expensive here. It is about $47 a bag. We have a variety and readily available sands. We call sands with aggregates concrete sand. Glenn, thanks for responding. Hope you are well.

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@peterfcoyle9127 that's it concreting sand What make of nhl do you have over there Here to help do you have a lot of pointing to do

[@shauntaylor479]

Great video. I'm looking to get into the stone masonry soon hopefully get an adult apprenticeship, what would be the main thing you would recommend researching first skills wise thanks.

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

What area do you live in

[@shauntaylor479]

@@GMTpointingspecialistsltd in conon bridge near Inverness (highlands)

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@@shauntaylor479 contact the Scottish lime centre See if they can Help Contact stone masons near your area see what kind of work they do see if your interested in the type of work they do Check to see if you can get a government grant To help you

[@shauntaylor479]

​@GMTpointingspecialistsltd cheers man I will do like appreciate it. Iv done some lime pointing on an old house I was labouring in and shadowing a stone mason

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@@shauntaylor479 nice one good luck with it If you need any advice give me a message Just make sure who you learn from is good at what they do Everyone has different ways of doing the same job so stay open minded

[@markwilson8959]

Sounds daft, but how do you put Hessian over? Do you hang it off guttering or prop using timbers? Cheers and great vid

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

Hang from gutters I use roof battens if I have scaffolding I prop it against the kick board If I have a double inside board I use my pop ups and hang it off them

[@markwilson8959]

@@GMTpointingspecialistsltd cheers buddy. Just on a job at the minute and had to lean timbers and pray they don't shift! No scaf or gutters unfortunately

[@markwilson8959]

@@GMTpointingspecialistsltd cheers buddy. Just on a job at the minute and had to lean timbers and pray they don't shift! No scaf or gutters unfortunately

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@@markwilson8959 hi nail it into the wall and when you remove it just fill the holes where the nails went in Only way you can do it some times

[@vulcan1154]

Thanks for the info. How long did you leave those top joints before scraping off?

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

It varies on the Bricks Air Temperature You can knock back 20 minutes later or even the next day

[@vulcan1154]

@@GMTpointingspecialistsltd much appreciated thanks for the response

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@@vulcan1154 if it hardens up before you use the stick and churn brush just most it over it will soften it up again

[@vulcan1154]

@@GMTpointingspecialistsltd used your advice today (first time pointing). Thanks again. Was amazed by how quickly my bricks dried out, even in the misty weather. Got everything covered with Hessian (and a tarp for the rain tomorrow). Do you recommend continuing to mist the brickwork & Hessian for a few days? Looking at highs of 10c and lows of 5c this week here.

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@@vulcan1154 yeah keep it damp for a few days perfect weather atm it won't dry out to quick

[@donquixote3820]

I'm re-pointing an old chapel from 1875. What mortar mix would you recommend using? The mix you are using here looks pretty good. What is it and what alternatives might there be. Cheers, Don.

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

This is a NHL 3.5 I'm using 1 lime 3 brown washed sharp sand Take some of the old lime out the chapel put it in a bucket add a little water see what colour it is Then if you can go to your local quarry and ask what they have close to it If it's in a well protected area you can use ready mix lime putty Or do a 1 to 3 mix with quick lime also known as hot lime you can use it hot or cold Hope that helps

[@donquixote3820]

@@GMTpointingspecialistsltd Thanks for the quick reply. Just had a trial run with a mix on my own old Victorian house today. 2 yellow sand, 1 brown sharp sand, 1.5 reddish sand, 2 NHL 3.5. (5:2 ratio) using 3 different kinds of sand. Don't know the name of the red sand but it seems to make the mortar more pliable.Drys dark but lightens up

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@@donquixote3820 1:2.5 mix Same as 2:5 so good mix Make sure it's not building sand and it's washed sand keep it damp as long as you can and protect it from the sun Good luck with your project

[@Chrispeacock1212]

Ever tried a more traditional hot lime? It's better than NHL limes. Good fun to mix too. Just be careful!

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

Hot limes are ok but the hot lime we use today is not what they used years ago around 45 to 50% free lime content not the 90% we use today Where I am in north Wales hot limes will eat away at the sandstone And fail at the high winds and driven rain I use a good quality NHL ranging from 30% to 45 % free lime content People say NHL is to strong but if something is to strong Why haven't they come up with a mix like 1:4 1:5 do tests on that mix I only use hot lime in protected areas And my videos on hot lime is aimed at beginners Hope that helps

[@tlgf7638]

Where did you get the hawk from? Cheers

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

Ebay put in mini pointing hod Or go on my video mini pointing hod it gives you the fb page

[@topcatcoolio8807]

Can you weather point to lime mortar with ordinary pointing trowel.? Or must you brush hitting, flush joints ? Anyone !?

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

The churn brush is compacting the soft and sharp sand together You can weather strike it I dont as it shows every flaw up on the brickwork I prefer the look of flush or slightly brushed back I use a finger trowel as you don't get as much on the face of the brick or stone

[@user-zb7we1ru9t]

What kind of a mix would you use to re point limestone blocks?

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

I need a bit more info Is this blocks on A house Retaining wall or footpath ?

[@user-zb7we1ru9t]

House retaining wall

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@@user-zb7we1ru9t could you wattsapp some pictures over Or face book them I will take a look for you

[@markbarratt4672]

Hi Glenn I'm going to repoint the gable wall on my house with lime mortar . I'm not sure what aggregate to use . washed sand ? grit ? . A blend of both ? Can you advise please

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

Always washed sharp or grit The pointing will go light but then it will go to the colour of the sand

[@matthewingham7806]

Hi mate whats the best mix for lime pointing brickwork

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

A good quality nhl 2 or 3.5 lafarge Saint astier lafarge Or a hot lime putty if they are really soft brick in a well protected area If you send me pictures on wattsapp or Facebook I can advise you a lot better

[@matthewingham7806]

@GMTpointingspecialistsltd will do mate and do you use grit sand and buolding sand

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@matthewingham7806 no I never use building sand or sea dredged I only use a soft grit or a sharp sand I have 4 different types I use

[@db_0042]

How long do you leave it until you wash down the brickwork?

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

After pointing, keep misting it for 2 or 3 days then you can wash the walls down But you will have hessian on the walls

[@db_0042]

@@GMTpointingspecialistsltd how many times a dsy roughly would you say to mist it as we just finished the pointing and have left hessian damp

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@db_0042 Every time the hessian dries out In this heat, you have to be careful The lime doesnt dry out too quickly

[@db_0042]

@@GMTpointingspecialistsltd okay thank you

[@t-rex4211]

Hi, I’ve got an 1870’s place to replace 16 bricks on a gable. It’s lime but repointed with sand/cement. The building is 100’ long and only happened on that one gable. Bricks are separately spread around gable randomly. Would I be best laying the bricks with a lime mortar and later matching weather struck later with sand/ cement or would I get away with s/c for the whole mortar? 9” bond. Cheers

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

I'd bed it on lime 100 year old bricks can't handle how strong cement sets I would remove the cement pointing as it will stop the brick wicking away moisture

[@t-rex4211]

@@GMTpointingspecialistsltd ok cheers. It’s a huge place and money not on the job to replace pointing which is pretty old too and bricks only bad on that end in a few places so needs to match etc. If I laid them on lime then used sand/cement pointing when dry, would that minimise spalling or cracking? Or is there anything I could add to the cement mix when pointing? Cheers

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@t-rex4211 no there's nothing you can do apart from do a weak sand cement mix

[@t-rex4211]

@@GMTpointingspecialistsltd ok, many thanks 👍

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@t-rex4211 no problem Just let the people know who own the building it should be lime and cement is too hard for the bricks If its built in lime always use lime If you need any help in the future just send me a message thanks

[@vincentput]

Hi, when would you use NHL5?

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

Underground or on a sea wall I've never used a nhl 5

[@vincentput]

@@GMTpointingspecialistsltd so for exposed walls (westerly gusts) an 3.5 is fine? Bricks are coal fired and rock hard so not a problem

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@vincentput I've never had a problem with nhl 3.5 mixed correctly at 1.2.5 sharp sand I'm in North Wales If your mix is to strong it will lock moisture into the chimney

[@vincentput]

@@GMTpointingspecialistsltd thanks for the info mate. Greetings from Eastern Belgium :)

[@db_0042]

What ratio did you use?

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

1 lafarge nhl 2 3 brown sharp sand The weatherside I used lafarge nhl 3.5 1:3 mix But it depends on your bricks What mix to use

[@db_0042]

@@GMTpointingspecialistsltd thank you, do you recommend to just use sharp sand when pointing with lime?

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@@db_0042 sharp or grit I dont use building sand or sea dredged as I always tamper it back with a churn brush

[@db_0042]

@@GMTpointingspecialistsltd perfect. thank you

[@user-fv9ld8yf4k]

Have you ever pointed a post war house with a cavity wall in lime? If so, what type did you use? I’ve been advised against it by a builder

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

Why did your builder advise against it I've pointed a new build house built in sand and cement reclaimed bricks in nhl 2 lafage it depends on what you are trying to achieve

[@user-fv9ld8yf4k]

@@GMTpointingspecialistsltd something about inadequate protection for outer shell and that lime is only meant for 9” + solid walls. He recommended a 1:1:7 mix (cement/Hydrated Lime/building sand)

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@@user-fv9ld8yf4k what age is your property

[@user-fv9ld8yf4k]

@@GMTpointingspecialistsltd 30s

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

@user-fv9ld8yf4k good chance it's built in lime mortar so use lime no cement on a building that age

[@lucyjohnson7708]

I'm going to repoint a chinney breast that i opened up in my 1870 house. This makes it look so satisfyingly, cant wait to give it a go.

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

Good luck if you need any advice, just send a message With it being inside you need to watch for it drying out too quickly

[@barrymichaels2663]

I was doing some yesterday and some idiot as used cement instead of lime 🤨

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

It winds me up I can't remember the last job I didn't have to remove cement pointing What area do you cover for pointing work

[@diogenes1815]

The depth needs to be greater than the width

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

Yes, normally twice the depth of the width or as deep as your blade will go

[@the1andonlyknight]

Hi love your videos! But you never explain the morter how you make it and what kind!!!! Can you please tell me what to use what kind? And is it mortar or should i get grout? Or is grout the same thing? Grout is finer sand right? Etc? Thank you would really appreciate your wisdom and help!!!!!

[@GMTpointingspecialistsltd]

Hi thank you If you put gmt pointing specialists ltd in you tube you will see loads of videos on this house on mixing nhl 2 and 3.5 on the sands I use Most of my videos I'll mention lafarge or Saint astier nhl 2 or 3.5 The sand I use is local to North wales so no good if you live down south If you wattsapp me pictures of your project you are under taking I can help you that way as one lime doesn't fit every building