Traditional Brick Pointing For Brick Slips
When it comes to Brick Slips, many people ask about the pointing as this is a crucial element of ensuring they look good when they are in place. Of course, we offer a wide range of pointing mortar for you to choose from but you might consider opting for traditional materials, especially if you want to create that authentic look.
Essentially, our brick slips are installed like tiles which means that they are fitted to walls in the same way but the joints need to be pointed with mortar in the same way as full bricks have to. The type of mortar you opt for is entirely up to you and there are many things to think about when it comes to pointing as you want to get it right. However, we think it is important to begin with the basics to ensure you know all that you need to know.
Brick Slip Mortar - What is it?
In its simplest form, mortar is the material that sits between one row of bricks and another. This is often cement or lime-based as is used with bricks, masonry and brick slips to help create a solid look that is both weatherproof and stable. Furthermore, it also helps to strengthen the individual bricks or brick slips by joining them together. In most cases, traditional brick mortar is made up using sand and cement.
Brick Slips and Traditional Brick Pointing
In the same way as they are used in standard brick built walls, traditional brick pointing methods can also be used in brick slip installations too. Any skilled tradesman will have the ability to work the mortar into the joints by using a trowel and a jointing tool. It’s better to opt for a stiff and dry mortar mix for traditional brick pointing as this will ensure that it is easier to work with.
Of course, professionals will make the entire process look easy but it can take practice to do it yourself and achieve the same finish while ensuring the face of the brick remains clean. At the same time, there are a number of different types of joint finishes to explore too, such as the standard concave mortar joint to expert finishes such as raked or struck joints.
For brick slips that have been installed inside a property, the finish you choose is mainly down to how you want it to look. However, external jobs have to be done correctly to ensure that the joint has the ability to shred any water.
Is it Possible to Point Brick Slips Myself?
Of course, when it comes to brick slip installation, most DIYers will have the ability to take care of this themselves with the right preparation and time. When it comes to traditional brick pointing methods, we recommend that you choose to use a cement-free gun injection point mortar. The gun makes it simple to get to grips with pointing and it works excellently with brick slips.
Conclusion
There is a wide range of brick slips available for you to choose from and naturally, you are going to want to make sure that once they are fitted on your wall, that they are finished the right way. This is where pointing will make a significant difference. Of course, choosing the brick slips is the fun part but the finish is about the mortar you choose and this will bring your brick slips together to achieve a smart look that works with your decor and interior design.
A dark mortar will emphasise the joint and can work better with lighter bricks as this can make a bold statement while a lighter mortar can deliver a more natural appearance that works brilliantly well with the brick slips. Whatever you choose, we are always ready and waiting to provide our help and assistance where required.