ARTisAn Objective – Workshop MAS-02 – Repointing Special Joint Profiles Using Lime Mortar

Repointing Special Joint Profiles Using Lime Mortar

1 Day – 8:00am to 2:30pm

As the number of historic buildings continues to increase, so does the demand for masons who have the necessary skill and knowledge critical to the preservation of vintage structures. A skilled and exacting mason can match rebuilt sections of masonry to the original in terms of stone type and size; patterns of jointing and coursing; and mortar color, texture, and profile. Properly done, repointing restores the visual and physical integrity of the masonry. Improperly done, repointing not only detracts from the appearance of the building but may also cause physical damage and decay to the stone or brick. The ultimate success and performance of the repairs depend upon the proper selection of materials and the quality of the work performed by the masons. This workshop is designed to elevate the level of craftsmanship of participants by introducing the techniques needed to simulate special joint profiles such as ribbon, weathered ridge, beaded, and/or grapevine repointing.

Regardless of the type of mortar joint being installed, it is essential that existing joint profiles should be followed where encountered in historic restoration projects. The lecture, demonstrations and hands-on exercises cover the properties of natural hydraulic lime, tips for selecting and mixing lime mortars, cleaning and filling joints, and consistently tooling and striking specialized mortar joint profiles. Under the guidance of experienced masons from LimeWorks.us, participants will practice the skills on mock-up panels. The additional knowledge and skills may also enable attendees to cultivate a competitive edge in the growing preservation field. The difference is in the details. Prior masonry experience is helpful but not required.

After completing the workshop participants will:

1. Understand the science behind breathable natural hydraulic lime.
2. Be aware of proper wall preparation to safely remove existing mortar and rake and clean joints without damaging the surrounding stone or brick.
3. Know how to mix, place, and cure lime mortar properly.
4. Recognize specialized pointing profiles.
5. Be able to tool, texture, brush, and perform consistent striking sequences at the proper time in the curing process to simulate special pointing profiles such as ribbon, weathered ridge, beaded, and/or grapevine repointing.

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.

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.