Designation: E 2260 – 03

Standard Guide for

Repointing (Tuckpointing) Historic Masonry1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 2260; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope C 170 Test Method for Compressive Strength of Natural

1.1 This guide applies only to existing historic masonry Building Stone3
construction. For purposes of this guide historic masonry is C 270 Specification for Mortar for Unit Masonry2
intended to refer to buildings that have significant historic, C 780 Method for Pre-construction and Construction Evalu-
architectural, cultural or social meaning and are constructed of ation of Mortars for Plain and Reinforced Unit Masonry2
masonry materials. Similar techniques and evaluation should C 1072 Test Method for Measurement of Masonry Flexural
be employed for non-historic masonry, but are not addressed in Bond Strength2
this guide. C 1324 Test Method for Examination and Analysis of Hard-
1.2 This guide outlines procedures for repointing historic ened Masonry Mortar2
masonry and is intended to provide guidelines for the user to E 631 Terminology of Building Construction4
establish project-specific requirements for repointing of his- E 1857 Guide for Selection of Cleaning Techniques for
toric masonry. Masonry, Concrete, and Stucco Surfaces5
1.3 This guide only pertains to masonry units: brick, terra 2.2 Other Referenced Documents:
cotta, stone, cast stone, and concrete brick laid in mortar, and ACI 530.1/ASCE 6/TMS 602 Specifications for Masonry
may or may not be appropriate for other masonry units. Structures
1.4 This guide addresses repointing (tuckpointing) as de- London, M., Masonry: How to Care for Old and Historic
fined in 3.1.3. Brick and Stone, The Preservation Press, Washington, DC,
1.5 When considering repointing, especially on masonry of 1988
artistic, architectural, cultural, or historical significance, guid- “The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment
ance from a specialist experienced in historic masonry and of Historic Properties,” U.S. Department of the Interior,
repointing should be sought. National Park Service, Preservation Assistance Division,
1.6 This guide does not address pointing styles or profiles Washington, DC, revised 1995
used on masonry or the methods of producing them. McKee, H. J., “Introduction to Early American Masonry:
1.7 Additional repairs that may impact the structural integ- Stone, Brick, Mortar, and Plaster,” The National Trust,
rity of the masonry may necessitate that a structural stability Washington, DC, 1973.
analysis be completed prior to the execution of any work. Technical Note 7F, “Moisture Resistance of Brick Masonry
1.8 Following this guide may involve hazardous materials, Maintenance,” Brick Industry Association (BIA), Reston,
operations, and equipment. This standard does not purport to VA, Reissued October 1998
address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its Technical Note 1, “All-Weather Construction,” Brick Indus-
use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to try Association (BIA), Reston, VA, Revised March 1992
establish appropriate safety and health practices and deter- “Preparation and Use of Lime Mortars: An Introduction to
mine the applicability of regulatory requirements prior to use. the Principles of Using Lime Mortars,” Historic Scotland,
Edinburgh, Scotland, 1998
2. Referenced Documents Oats, J. A. H., Lime and Limestone—Chemistry and Tech-
2.1 ASTM Standards: nology, Production and Uses, Wiley-VCH, New York,
C 67 Test Methods of Sampling and Testing Brick and 1998
Structural Clay Tile2 Mack, R. C., and Spewick, J. P., Preservation Brief #2,
C 140 Methods of Sampling and Testing Concrete Masonry “Repointing Mortar Joints in Historic Brick Buildings,”
Units2 National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior,
Washington, DC, 1998
1
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on Performance
of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.24 on Building
3
Preservation and Rehabilitation Technology. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.07.
4
Current edition approved Feb. 10, 2003. Published March 2003. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.11.
2 5
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.05. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.12.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

1
 E 2260 – 03
Weaver, M., Conserving Buildings: A Guide to Techniques 4.2.7 Visual inspection of the work.
and Materials, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, NY,
1993 5. Determination of Joints to be Repointed
IS 240 “Trowel Tips: Tuckpointing,” Portland Cement As- 5.1 In many cases, not all joints in the masonry need to be
sociation, Skokie, IL, 1992 repointed. It may be prudent to repoint only portions of the
masonry or not to repoint at all (see Secretary of the Interior’s
3. Terminology Standards).
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: 5.2 Closely examine mortar joints to determine which joints
3.1.1 in-situ mortar—mortar existing in the masonry con- require repointing. Defective joints require repointing. Defec-
struction which includes the original setting or pointing mortar, tive joints include joints that are cracked, deteriorated, eroded,
or both and subsequently installed setting or repointing mortar. contain voids, or are poorly bonded to masonry units. Cleaning
3.1.2 masonry—for this guide, masonry is defined as brick, of selected areas of the masonry to help identify areas needing
terra cotta, stone, cast stone and concrete brick which is set in repointing should only be done when necessary for evaluation
mortar. (see Guide E 1857 and Secretary of the Interior’s Standards).
3.1.3 mortar removal techniques: 5.3 If the masonry was previously repointed with a mortar
3.1.3.1 chiseling—use of a hammer and chisel to remove which has a higher compressive strength than the adjoining
mortar. masonry, the previously installed repointing mortar should be
3.1.3.2 power chiseling—hand-held short stroke pneumatic removed and the joints should be repointed.
carving tool with a round shank chisel blade with no retainer to 5.4 Visually inappropriate, previously installed repointing
remove mortar. mortar should be replaced. If color, texture, and joint profiles
3.1.3.3 power router—hand-held motor driven device using do not match the existing historic mortar joints, the joints
a diamond embedded router bit or other suitable abrasive bit to should be removed and repointed.
removal mortar. 5.5 In some cases, sealants or other inappropriate materials
3.1.3.4 raking—use of a hand tool to remove mortar. may have been used in joints of masonry units. These materials
3.1.3.5 sawing/grinding—use of a diamond-tipped, silicon should be removed and the joints repointed.
carbide-tipped, or other suitable abrasive blade to remove
mortar. 6. Evaluation of In-Situ Masonry
3.1.4 original mortar—mortar used in the original construc- 6.1 If shoring of the masonry is required, the necessary
tion of the masonry wall which may be only the original setting materials and methods should be identified.
mortar or may also include original pointing mortar. 6.2 Evaluate In-Situ Mortar:
3.1.5 original pointing mortar—the mortar placed into a 6.2.1 In-situ mortar may include previously installed re-
joint (exposed outer edge) from which fresh setting mortar was pointing mortar, and each masonry structure may be comprised
raked out during original construction of the masonry wall. of different mortars of varying ages and materials. Identifica-
3.1.6 point—placing mortar into a properly prepared joint. tion of the original mortar is an integral part of the process of
3.1.7 repointing—the process of removal of defective mor- selecting an appropriate repointing mortar.
tar from between masonry units and placement of fresh mortar. 6.2.2 The color and texture of the in-situ mortar to be
3.1.8 repointing mortar—the new mortar to be selected by matched should be evaluated by visual and laboratory means.
the user of this guide. Original color can be reasonably determined by visual exami-
3.1.9 specialist—architect, conservator, engineer or other nation of a freshly broken surface of a mortar sample.
professional with appropriate applicable experience, hereinaf- 6.3 Evaluate Masonry Materials—The physical properties
ter referred to as the specialist. of masonry units should be assessed to ensure compatibility
3.1.10 tuckpointing—for purposes of this guide, synony- with the repointing mortar.
mous with repointing. 6.3.1 When required, the physical properties of the masonry
should be tested in accordance with Methods C 67, C 140, and
4. Significance and Use C 170, respectively.
4.1 Repointing masonry improves weather resistance, re- 6.3.2 For some repointing projects, sampling and testing of
duces water penetration, maintains structural and visual integ- masonry units and materials is not permitted or necessary. In
rity, and prolongs the life of the building by allowing a mortar such cases, a qualitative assessment of the physical properties
joint to shed water and avoid the accumulation and penetration of materials can suffice. Such qualitative assessment should
of rainwater between mortar and masonry units. include identification of the type of masonry materials and a
4.2 This guide provides for the selection of the most visual inspection of the condition of the materials. Literature
effective methods appropriate for repointing masonry based from the appropriate period can be reviewed for an indication
upon the following parameters: of properties of the materials. When available, the original
4.2.1 Determination of joints to be repointed. material specifications and relevant maintenance and repair
4.2.2 Evaluation of in-situ masonry. work for the building should be reviewed.
4.2.3 Evaluation of techniques for removal of mortar.
4.2.4 Determination of appropriate repointing mortar. 7. Evaluation of Techniques for Removal of Mortar
4.2.5 Selection of repointing mortar. 7.1 In determining the method of mortar removal, a stan-
4.2.6 Establishing the method of execution of the work. dard should be established for joint preparation that limits the

2
 E 2260 – 03
damage to masonry units and provides a proper substrate for 9. Selection of Repointing Mortar
bonding of new mortar. Prior to beginning the work, potential 9.1 The repointing mortar should be selected based on the
techniques for mortar removal should be evaluated. purpose of repointing and with consideration given to its
7.2 Mortar removal procedures should attempt to remove all historic proportions and compatibility with masonry materials.
mortar from joints to the specified depth and to provide a Formulation of the repointing mortar should not be based on an
substrate to which the repair mortar can properly adhere. inappropriate, previously installed pointing mortar.
7.3 Mortar can be removed using various procedures. Tech- 9.2 The selected repointing mortar should match the origi-
niques including raking, chiseling, routing, and grinding, are nal mortar (if originally used) or exposed mortar unless it is
listed and described in Section 3. Combinations of these determined that either is inappropriate for use.
techniques can also be used. 9.3 The selected repointing mortar should be the appropriate
7.4 On historic masonry, it is recommended that the most color and texture as determined by the user of this guide and
effective and least damaging technique be used as the method exhibit the durability and performance desired. See 8.1.
of mortar removal. 9.4 The visual matching of in-situ mortar with the repoint-
NOTE 1—Hand raking alone as a technique should only be used if it can ing mortar may be desired but can be difficult to achieve. An
be determined that hand raking can be performed without causing damage acceptable match can require analysis of the in-situ mortar
to masonry. If hand raking is determined to damage the masonry units, materials, trial mix proportions using new mortar materials,
other techniques of mortar removal shall be considered. and variations in placement and tooling of the repointing
7.5 Although some damage may be inevitable, careful joint mortar. If it is desired to match the appearance of the repointing
preparation can help limit damage to masonry units. mortar to the in-situ mortar, the unsoiled color, determined by
7.6 It is the responsibility of the user of this guide to examining the interior surface of the mortar, should be
evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the various matched. Proposed repointing mortars should be installed and
removal techniques as they relate to type and condition of the evaluated in test areas, refer to Section 8.
masonry to be repointed. 9.5 The composition of the repointing mortar should be
7.7 The use of power tools is not recommended for joints of designed and assessed to ensure compatibility of the physical
less than 3 mm, where the geometry of the joint limits access, properties with the in-situ mortar and masonry units. Mortar
or where the masonry units are weak or friable. composition may be evaluated in accordance with Method
7.8 Evaluate the method of mortar removal with regard to C 1324.
the structural and visual integrity of the masonry. NOTE 2—Substantial disparity between the compressive strengths or
7.9 Technicians should be evaluated with regard to their other physical properties of the in-situ mortar and the repointing mortar, or
ability to remove in-situ mortar without damage to the masonry the repointing mortar and the masonry units can lead to spalling or other
units. A demonstration of their ability should be conducted and distress of the masonry units. A common approach to ensure compatibility
approved on a test area representative of the work to be of physical properties is to evaluate the composition of the in-situ mortar
performed. and approximate the compressive strength of the mortar before selecting
the repointing mortar. The repointing mortar should have a similar or
lower compressive strength and greater water vapor permeability than the
8. Use of Mortar Samples and Test Areas masonry units.
8.1 Samples of the proposed repointing mortar should be
9.6 Mortar materials should be chosen in accordance with
prepared for comparison with the original mortar for color,
the applicable ASTM material specifications. Appropriate pig-
texture, and finish prior to the repointing work. Samples should
ments and additives may be permitted if analysis of original
be compared after the mortar has sufficiently hardened for
mortar and evaluation of the project repointing mortar require-
handling and has attained its final color.
ments indicate that inclusion of such materials is applicable.
8.2 Samples of the proposed repointing mortar should be
9.7 In regions subject to freeze-thaw cycling, resistance to
prepared prior to the repointing work to determine mortar
freeze-thaw damage is an important consideration. The mortar
properties. Mortar properties should be evaluated in accor-
should have the capacity to transmit more water vapor than the
dance with the sampling and testing procedures in Method
masonry unit.
C 780.
8.3 Test areas should be used to evaluate mortar removal
techniques, mortar formulation, pointing techniques, final 10. Procedure
cleaning and appearance. Test areas should be approved prior 10.1 Preparation:
to proceeding with the work. Test areas should have the 10.1.1 If cleaning of the masonry surface is deemed neces-
following characteristics: sary, establish cleaning techniques in accordance with Guide
8.3.1 Test areas should include materials and conditions E 1857. See 5.2.
representative of surfaces to be repointed. 10.1.2 The structural, architectural, and material properties
8.3.2 Test areas should permit evaluation of the effects of of the masonry should be considered prior to commencing a
the repointing work on materials, surfaces, and surroundings. repointing project.
8.3.3 Test areas should permit visual inspection and com- 10.1.3 Prepare mortar samples and test areas for color
parison to adjacent masonry surfaces that have not been matching and physical property testing.
repointed. Inspection should be performed under similar light- 10.1.4 If required, implement protection practices for
ing and exposure conditions. weather conditions in accordance with the cold and hot weather

3
 E 2260 – 03
construction requirements, as stipulated in ACI 530.1/ASCE 10.4.2 Joints with significant voids should have mortar
6/TMS 602 and B.I.A. placed into the void to partially fill the joint and be allowed to
10.2 Mortar Removal and Preparation of Joints: set. Subsequently, the joint should be pointed to the specified
10.2.1 Remove in-situ mortar from mortar joints. See Sec- depth with at least two more layers of mortar.
tion 7. 10.4.3 Compact each layer by striking with a compaction
10.2.2 The mortar should be removed to a depth of between tool prior to placement of the next layer of mortar.
2 and 2-1⁄2 times the width of the joint with a minimum depth 10.4.4 Apply successive lifts and tool mortar joints when
of 3⁄4in. This requirement for the depth of mortar removal the repointing has achieved initial set.
provides adequate embedment of the repointing mortar. All 10.4.5 Selection of joint profile should be made with con-
unsound mortar should be removed. See 7.3 for removal sideration of the original profile, the amount and visual
techniques. appearance of the existing mortar to remain, and the perfor-
10.2.3 Brush, vacuum, or flush joints with water to remove mance of the mortar joint as a function of its profile.
all materials deleterious to the repointing procedure. In flush- NOTE 3—Compression of the mortar during tooling makes concave,
ing, use water judiciously as too much can result in the vee, and grapevine joints more weather-tight than rakes, flush, extruded,
development of efflorescence. All joints should be inspected weathered, beaded, or struck joints.
before repointing to ensure that they are free of materials 10.5 Curing and Protection:
deleterious to the repointing. 10.5.1 Cure new pointing lime-putty and non-lime-putty
10.2.4 Moisten joints with water prior to repointing to mortar in accordance with accepted procedures. Curing tech-
reduce water absorption from the repointing mortar before it is niques are not covered in this guide.
properly set; this improves cure and bond strength. No standing 10.5.2 Clean any excess mortar from the face of masonry
water should be visible in the joint. with water or the least aggressive effective technique. The
10.3 Preparation of Mortar: cleaning technique used should not have adverse effects on the
10.3.1 Mix dry mortar materials first. Add enough water to surfaces, substrates, related components, and adjacent surfaces.
dry materials such that the mortar can be pressed into a ball by Cleaning should be performed when the mortar has reached
hand. initial set, but can still be removed. The timing of the cleaning
10.3.2 Establish a period of prehydration of the repointing should be assessed during the preparation of the test areas.
mortar. Prehydrate the mortar by mixing the dry materials with 10.6 Protect the work from weather and construction activi-
just enough water to allow the mortar to be formed into a ball ties during and after the work until the mortar has cured.
by hand. The prehydrated mortar should then be allowed to Curing time will vary depending on weather conditions.
stand for not less than one hour, nor more than one and one half 11. Visual Inspection of the Work
hour (BIA Technical Note 7F). Prehydration helps to reduce
shrinkage cracks in the mortar joints. Adjust prehydration time 11.1 Visual inspection of repointing procedures and materi-
as necessary depending on weather conditions. als should be required at regular intervals during the execution
of the work. Visual inspection of completed areas and com-
10.3.3 After the prehydration period, mix mortar materials
parison to approved samples and test areas should be made
with only enough water to be workable.
under similar lighting and exposure conditions. If cleaning the
10.3.4 Use mortar within two hours of final mixing.
masonry after repointing is required, such cleaning should be
10.3.5 Adding additional water to the mortar to maintain conducted prior to a final visual evaluation of the work. Overall
workability, known as retempering, can be performed during consistency of color, joint configuration, and general appear-
the two-hour period. Retempering of pigmented mortar may ance should be evaluated by visual inspection.
change the color of the mortar.
10.4 Placement of Repointing Mortar: 12. Keywords
10.4.1 Manually insert repointing mortar into open joints. 12.1 historic masonry; mortar; pointing; repointing;
Fill the joints in three successive layers. tuckpointing

ASTM International takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection with any item mentioned
in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the risk
of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.

This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years and
if not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standards
and should be addressed to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the
responsible technical committee, which you may attend. If you feel that your comments have not received a fair hearing you should
make your views known to the ASTM Committee on Standards, at the address shown below.

This standard is copyrighted by ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959,
United States. Individual reprints (single or multiple copies) of this standard may be obtained by contacting ASTM at the above
address or at 610-832-9585 (phone), 610-832-9555 (fax), or service@astm.org (e-mail); or through the ASTM website
(www.astm.org).