Which term describes the repair method involving inserting new mortar into joints to restore masonry?

Which term describes the repair method involving inserting new mortar into joints to restore masonry?

• A. Tuck-pointing
• B. Pointing
• C. Repointing
• D. Caulking

Answer: (A)

Replacing deteriorated mortar in joints to restore weather resistance and structural integrity is repointing. This involves removing the old, damaged mortar to a suitable depth, cleaning the joint, and then pressing in fresh mortar that matches the original material. The goal is to restore the joints so masonry units stay in place and resist water intrusion. Pointing is the finishing step after repointing, where the mortar is shaped and smoothed to create the desired joint appearance. Tuck-pointing is a specific decorative technique that uses a thin contrasting mortar line to mimic finer joints, not the general method of replacing mortar. Caulking uses a flexible sealant to fill gaps, which prevents water but doesn’t rebuild the mortar joints. So the correct term for inserting new mortar into joints to restore masonry is repointing.

Replacing deteriorated mortar in joints to restore weather resistance and structural integrity is repointing. This involves removing the old, damaged mortar to a suitable depth, cleaning the joint, and then pressing in fresh mortar that matches the original material. The goal is to restore the joints so masonry units stay in place and resist water intrusion.

Pointing is the finishing step after repointing, where the mortar is shaped and smoothed to create the desired joint appearance. Tuck-pointing is a specific decorative technique that uses a thin contrasting mortar line to mimic finer joints, not the general method of replacing mortar. Caulking uses a flexible sealant to fill gaps, which prevents water but doesn’t rebuild the mortar joints. So the correct term for inserting new mortar into joints to restore masonry is repointing.