Preparing to Repoint the Masonry in Your Historic Home in 6 Steps

I know you’re itching to repoint the mortar underneath your house.  Let’s face it, your bricks and mortar probably look like this:

See that nothing in between the bricks?  You’re gonna have to put some mortar in there.

Luckily for you the Wren’s Nest has compiled a guide to help you out, called  Preparing to Repoint the Masonry in Your Historic Home.  In just six easy steps, you’ll be ready to repoint your masonry.

1.  Admit That You Have A Problem

Did you not see the picture above?  Clearly, you have a problem.

2.  Enlist The British To Complete A Very Expensive Mortar Test

The harder to understand, the better.

3.  Assemble Awesome Masonry Materials

If you have bricks that have been dropped off for unknown reasons and have presumably been forgotten about by a municipal agency, place the awesome masonry materials on top of them.  If not, I don’t know what to tell you.

4.  Gather Your River Silt

You can buy river silt.  You don’t have to dredge it up yourself.  Do not let me stop you from doing so, however.

4.  Remember: You Need Georgia Red Clay.  Make Sure Someone Supervises

The more supervisors, the better.  In the city you’ll probably only have to dig four or so inches.  At the Wren’s Nest you may have to dig 18 inches for whatever reason.

5.  Mix Your Mortar By The Book / With The Bottom Of A Burger King Cup

Vests are optional but endorsed by the Wren’s Nest staff and sub-contractors.

6.  Make Little Piles

A dusty ole wheelbarrow is perfect for making little piles of mortar.

Now you’re ready.  Next up in this series: How to Repoint Masonry in Your Historic Home.