Why Should You Use Pointing Mortar and Not Grout with Brick Slips?
When installing brick slips—whether on a feature wall, fireplace, or external cladding—choosing the right materials is crucial to ensure both the aesthetic and structural integrity of your project. While grout is commonly used in tile and stone installations, pointing mortar is the preferred option when it comes to brick slips. But why is this the case? In this blog, we’ll explore the reasons why you should use pointing mortar rather than grout when working with brick slips, and the advantages it offers for your brick slip installation.
1. Pointing Mortar Matches the Traditional Look
One of the most important reasons to choose pointing mortar over grout is the aesthetic finish it provides. Brick slips are designed to mimic traditional brickwork, and using pointing mortar helps maintain that authentic look.
Pointing mortar has a more natural texture, similar to the joints in real brickwork, which enhances the overall visual effect. It allows the mortar joints between the slips to blend seamlessly with the slips themselves, giving your installation a classic, hand-laid brick appearance.
On the other hand, grout is generally smoother and more uniform, which can look out of place when used with brick slips. Grout’s often glossy, even surface doesn’t replicate the traditional look of mortar between bricks, leading to a less natural finish. So, if you want a result that is true to the look of real brick, pointing mortar is the way to go.
2. Pointing Mortar is More Durable for Outdoor Use
Brick slip installations, especially on external walls or façades, are exposed to varying weather conditions. This means they need to be able to withstand both freezing temperatures and intense heat. Brick slip pointing mortar is specifically designed to handle these conditions. It has the strength and flexibility to cope with the natural expansion and contraction that occurs due to weather changes.
Grout, however, tends to be less flexible and more prone to cracking under extreme conditions. It may break down faster when exposed to rain, frost, or UV rays, leading to deterioration over time. This is particularly problematic for external installations where the mortar is continuously subjected to the elements. By using pointing mortar, you ensure that your brick slips stay securely in place and maintain their integrity for years to come.
3. Pointing Mortar Allows for Better Adhesion
Pointing mortar provides better adhesion between the brick slips and the wall or surface compared to grout. Brick slips are typically adhered using a strong adhesive, but the mortar between them plays an important role in helping to bond the slips together and create a solid, cohesive structure. The mix of pointing mortar is designed to work in tandem with these adhesives, allowing for a stronger and more durable connection between the slips.
Grout, on the other hand, is generally used to fill the spaces between tiles or stone, and it’s not formulated to provide the same level of bond strength for brick slips. Grout lacks the same bonding properties as pointing mortar, which could lead to weakened joints and potential slippage over time.
4. Pointing Mortar is More Flexible
As brick slips expand and contract with changes in temperature, flexibility in the jointing material becomes important. Pointing mortar is more flexible than grout, allowing it to better accommodate the natural movement of the brick slips without cracking or breaking apart. This flexibility ensures that your brick slip installation remains intact even after years of exposure to fluctuating temperatures.
Grout, being more rigid, is much less forgiving and may crack or crumble over time as the structure shifts, compromising the integrity of your brickwork.
5. Pointing Mortar Offers Better Water Resistance
When applied correctly, brick slip pointing mortar provides excellent water resistance, especially when used with external brick slip installations. The mortar helps to form a protective barrier that prevents moisture from seeping into the joints and affecting the underlying structure. This is particularly important in areas prone to rain or damp conditions, as trapped moisture can lead to mould growth, discolouration, or even damage to the underlying surface.
Grout, while water-resistant to some extent, is generally less effective at repelling moisture than pointing mortar. In fact, grout can absorb water over time, leading to stains, mould, and deterioration of both the grout itself and the underlying wall. This makes pointing mortar the better option for any installation that requires a long-lasting, waterproof seal.
6. Pointing Mortar Is Easier to Apply
While both grout and pointing mortar are relatively easy to use, pointing mortar is specifically designed for working with brick slips. It is often thicker and more textured, allowing for more control during application. You can apply it into the joints between the slips using a pointing trowel, ensuring a clean and precise finish.
Grout can be more difficult to control, especially when working with the irregular edges of brick slips. Its smoother consistency makes it harder to push into joints and can lead to excess grout spilling onto the slips themselves, which may leave unsightly stains or require additional cleaning.
Conclusion
When installing brick slips, using brick slip pointing mortar rather than grout is essential for achieving a durable, authentic, and safe finish. Pointing mortar mimics traditional brickwork joints, offering the strength, flexibility, and water resistance required for long-lasting performance. Whether you're working on an internal feature wall or an external façade, using pointing mortar ensures that your brick slip installation not only looks the part but also stands the test of time.
Grout may have its place in tile installations, but for brick slips, pointing mortar is the superior choice for both aesthetics and functionality. So, for a high-quality, professional finish, always choose pointing mortar for your brick slip joints.