Pointing a Stone Wall- How NOT to do it!

Pointing a wall – How NOT to do it!

This photo shows an example of a beautiful stone wall which has been re-pointed using cement. Not sure what the thinking is behind doing so, but apart from the obvious aesthetic issues, we would also urge caution when undertaking (and when appointing someone else to undertake) a re-pointing task because the use of cement in this case is far more than an eye-sore! It is potentially very damaging to the stone work.

Using the correct type of mortar will ensure that appropriate amounts of moisture are absorbed into it, this in turn means the stonework will absorb minimal amounts. Because water can’t penetrate cement, the stonework will be managing way more than is necessary and this will over time lead to the stone faces ‘blowing’ when the trapped moisture freezes over the winter. Water expands when frozen and the correct mortar will have the properties and structure to account for this, where-as the stone seen here will not!

If you are planning to re-point a listed property, or similar old stone building or wall like this one (or hire someone to do it), please speak to us first and we can advise and supply the correct product for the job!