Filling the gaps

epointing is the process of replacing the mortar – or ‘pointing’ – on the face of a masonry joint. Repointing is often done unnecessarily or unsatisfactorily on old buildings. Unnecessary repointing, even if carried out carefully, risks damage to the edges of bricks or stones, as well as the loss of valuable clues to a building’s construction and history. Unsatisfactory repointing, particularly using cement instead of compatible lime