Pointing

[stuart45]

One of the main problems with cement pointing is that the builders use a reallly strong mix, around 3/1. This was taught at Tech in the 60's, the theory being that it would last longer. In earlier days an even stronger mix of 2/1 or 1/1 was the norm.
1/2/9 seemed to be popular until recently, when lime mortar seems to be used more. I can't recall any damage from this mix though.

 

[Lime]

....................

I have noticed on this forum that when the word dpc, dpm, D G, membranes ,cement etc.. is mentioned , the A & E units of the local hospitals tend to get rather busy with people suffering from cardiac arrests. all I can say to those people is " keep reading, learning and keep practicing "

Middi

However unless the opinion you amuse yourself with is expressed it doesn't get heard does it?
Too often the interpretation of modern buildings and materials is applied in circumstances where it hinders, damages, interferes or destroys the "workings" of older buildings.
Unless the older appropriate well-tried time-tested alternative is brought to posters' attention it may be not known of, forgotten, or worse, dismissed, derided as old fashioned or thought ineffective.

 

[DJH]

Today's brick and block layers don't like lime mortar or are reluctant to use it because it's not set, or hard, the next day when they want to lay another couple of thousand bricks or so many square yards of blocks on top of the previous days work, to earn their money. It's as simple as that............

Doug

 

[Zebra]

Do let us know what you decide to do Victorianjob. I know it's hard to get halfway through something and then find out that it's not what you thought it was.