What is Pointing and why we use Lime Mortar....
Pointing is the external finish between the bricks or stone of a building. Over time, weather and age cause this mortar to deteriorate, crack, and fall out—leaving the structure vulnerable to water ingress and damage.
Repointing is the process of carefully removing failed mortar and replacing it with new material to restore both the appearance and integrity of the building.
Why the Right Materials Are Crucial
Older buildings weren’t built with modern cement—they were constructed using lime mortar. This is a key difference, and it matters more than most people realise.
Lime mortar is breathable and flexible. It allows moisture to evaporate naturally from the walls, preventing damp and internal damage. Modern cement, on the other hand, is hard and impermeable. When used on traditional buildings, it traps moisture inside the structure, which can lead to:
-
Damp issues internally
-
Cracked bricks or stone
-
Accelerated decay of masonry
-
Long-term structural problems
Put simply, using the wrong material can do more harm than good.
Our Approach
At The Pointing Company, we take a traditional and careful approach to every project.
We don’t guess—we analyse. By examining the original mortar, we create a lime mix that closely matches the building’s original composition in strength, colour, and texture. This ensures the new pointing works in harmony with the structure rather than against it.
Our goal is always the same: to maintain the building’s ability to breathe, move, and stand strong for decades to come.
Protecting Your Property for the Future
Correctly applied lime mortar doesn’t just improve appearance—it actively protects your property. By allowing moisture to escape and reducing stress on bricks and stone, it extends the life of the building and helps avoid costly repairs in the future.
Whether your property is historic, period, or simply built using traditional methods, the right pointing is essential.
Lime mortar has been used for thousands of years and remains the material of choice for the repair and restoration of historic buildings. From the structures of Ancient Egypt to the engineering achievements of the Romans, lime-based mortars have stood the test of time. The durability of these historic landmarks is no coincidence—lime mortar allows buildings to breathe, letting moisture escape naturally rather than becoming trapped. This flexibility helps prevent cracking and long-term damage, which is often seen when modern cement is used on traditional structures.
The Romans, in particular, perfected the use of lime mortar, combining it with natural materials to create incredibly strong and resilient structures that still stand today. Unlike hard cement, lime mortar is softer and more adaptable, meaning it can accommodate slight movement within a building without causing damage to the surrounding stone or brick. This is why it is essential for listed buildings and older properties—using lime helps preserve the integrity of the structure, ensuring it can last for generations to come, just as it has done for centuries.