pointing
POYN-ting
/ˈpɔɪn.tɪŋ/
The finishing or repair of mortar joints between exterior brick or stone units.
Refers specifically to shaping, filling, or refreshing the outer visible face of mortar joints for weatherproofing and appearance.
The story behind the word. Derived from Middle English pointen, referring to using the pointed tip of a small narrow trowel to press and smooth wet mortar tightly into stone joints.
Word relationships
- jointing: Jointing shapes fresh mortar during brick laying; pointing involves finishing or replacing existing joint faces.
- spalling: The breaking or chipping off of masonry faces due to moisture damage.
Commonly confused with
- grout: Pointing shapes outer joint surfaces; grout fills internal core voids or thin tile seams.
Word family
- point (verb): To fill and tool fresh mortar into joints.
- pointer (noun): A specialist mason who finishes mortar joints.
Collocations
- re-pointing
- tuck pointing
- mortar pointing
- flush pointing
Example sentences
- "Tuck pointing was executed across the brick facade to prevent rainwater penetration behind mortar joints." Facade Renovation
- "The crisp concaved pointing between stones added clean shadow lines to the masonry wall." Craftsmanship
Memory hook
POINTING puts a fine POINT on mortar joints. Pointing = finishing mortar joints.
When not to use
Do not use when describing gesturing with a finger or directional indicators.
Fun facts
- Tuck pointing uses two contrasting colors of mortar to make thick joints look remarkably narrow.
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