Repointing Basics
1 Day – 8:00am to 2:30pm
The decision to repoint a masonry structure is most often related to some obvious signs of deterioration, such as disintegrating mortar, cracks in mortar joints, loose bricks or stones, or damp walls. On the surface, restoration projects may appear straight forward and intuitive, but there’s no substitute for skill and experience. Good repointing practices guarantee the long life of the mortar joint, the wall, and the historic structure. This hands-on workshop introduces the basic principles and work practices needed to repoint vintage brick and/or stone structures using breathable lime mortar supplied by LimeWorks.us. The lecture, demonstrations and hands-on exercises cover the properties of natural hydraulic lime mortars; tips for selecting and mixing lime mortars; and cleaning, filling, repointing, and tooling certain mortar joints. Under the guidance of experienced masons from LimeWorks.us, participants will practice the skills on mock-up
panels or historic structures undergoing restoration at our facility. Prior masonry experience is not required.
After completing the workshop participants will:
Understand the science behind breathable natural hydraulic lime.
Be aware of proper wall preparation to safely remove existing mortar and rake and clean joints without damaging the surrounding stone or brick.
Know how to mix, place, and cure lime mortar properly.
Recognize common pointing styles.
Be able to fill, repoint, tool, texture, and brush mortar joints to simulate simple pointing profiles.
The workshop will be held at the historic Millhafen Farm—the headquarters of Craftwork Training Center and LimeWorks.us—located at 3145 State Road, Telford, PA 18969. A nonrefundable deposit of $100 is required two weeks in advance with the balance due at the beginning of the workshop. All the necessary materials and tools will be supplied and a light lunch is provided for your convenience. The program will start promptly at 8:00 am. Please arrive 15 minutes early to complete the check-in process and come appropriately dressed and prepared for hands-on training. To ensure an exceptional learning experience, the class size is limited. However, a minimum of 3 participants is required to hold the workshop.
Special Group Options
Companies or organizations with 10 or more participants may qualify for a training program at their location. Call 215-536-1776 for details.
Please note, last-minute registrations (within 48 hours of the workshop date), are not valid until a confirmation email or phone call is sent from our staff.
G. Durborow –
Give a big thanks to everyone for a great day!
G. Vernon –
Great workshop today!
G. Good –
I want to thank you and the crew again for an informative day at LimeWorks.us. I appreciate the work being done at your location and the efforts to promote the lime-based mortars. I look forward to completing a project next month using the mortar I purchased yesterday. When I saw the scaffolding erected to rebuild the chimney, my youthful spirit wanted to get my aged body up there to complete the project. I’m fascinated, too, with the product (Lithomex) used to restore brick facing. Also, thank Charlie for trying to teach and old dog new tricks!
S. Wallace –
I enjoyed meeting everyone, you have a great group of people. I had so much fun. Sounds weird, but I love learning and especially learning information I can use. Everyone at the workshop was so helpful and nice. I already began tuck pointing one side of our house.
R. Kopp –
This was a great workshop that I recommend to everybody of all skill levels. I will be taking more workshops in the future. And our education of the trades should always continue.
B. Price –
I attended the workshop–very worthwhile! Great instructors and crew. A good mix of both knowledge sharing and skill practice.
R. Bartlett –
Great people and class. Thank you!
R. Morelli –
Today was a great experience and I walked away learning a lot of information.
A. Bernard –
Keep up the good work.
P. Beardsley –
Loved it.
R. Amabile –
See you again.
M. McDonald –
I like the small class size and the willingness to educate even when slightly outside the scode of the projects.