Terrible repointing

[abonner]

Hello,

We have recently purchased a semi-detached Victoran property. The previous owner took it upon himself to repoint the brickwork and it is in a terrible state. He has used a strong cement based mortar and seems to have also used sharp sand facing alot of the brickwork.

I have had a couple of builders look at this and they have said you will cause damage by trying to rake out this mortar as it will remove some of the brick face (soft red brickwork)

This work really lets the house down and I really want to try to have something done about it. I have looked into using a specialist company but there seems to be no one local to me.

I am now looking at the possibility of trying to use Hydrochloric Acid to maybe get the worst off. Doe's anyone have any experience of this or can anyone provide me with some advise?

Many Thanks,

Alan.

 

[NT]

IME HCl removes only a film of cement. I have successfully addressed this problem by using an angle grinder to cut a slot in the _centre_ of the mortar, staying away from the bricks. The one must is that the grinder be treated with a feather touch at all times. Any pressure on it and you end up with some bricks breaking.

The downside of angle grinding is it isnt risk free. With strong cement on soft brick its likely to be the best option I'd think.


NT

 

[Gervase]

If you've got a steady hand, use one of these to rake out the mortar. You can get a guide plate to help you. Be warned, though - it's noisy, dirty and deafening work and your wrists will ache like heck!

 

[NT]

I've never tried one of those grout rakes, just use discs, of which diamond are by far the best. How do they compare?

I dont find the discs tiring to use, but it sure is a noisy messy business. Just in case the OP hasnt done it before, indirect vent safety goggles and hearing protection are both a must.

Grinders are great tools if used with enough care.


NT

 

[Bluenap]

:idea:

I have a twin bladed diamond disc cutter which i purchased as i am having to repoint all of my house be very careful as you are will cause a lot of dust pollution and if your neighbour complains to the council they can and will take you to court as you are supposed to have it taupaulined up first. the HCL sounds ok as it is only stronger brick acid but you will need to cover up i spayed this onto the front wall of my house and the slightest breeze uch:
so use all the RPE you can ie full face shield as this does not fog up or you can go to your local HSS and hire a respirator

 

[NT]

quote Bluenap

>I have a twin bladed diamond disc cutter which i purchased as i am having to repoint all of my house

I sure hope youre not using that on the brickwork to prepare for repointing!


NT

 

[Gervase]

I've never tried one of those grout rakes, just use discs, of which diamond are by far the best. How do they compare?NT

The rakes are, for me, slightly more controllable, and are ideal for the cleaning vertical joins in smaller bricks, where the disc can't quite get deep enough. You're better off removing the guard from the grinder when using a grout rake so you can get a clearer picture of what you're raking - just make sure you put it back on when you want to go back to using a disc!
I find my angle grinders get more use than almost any other power tool; the diamond discs are great at cutting stone and I can cut a keystone for an arch in five minutes when it would take me over an hour with a handsaw.