Hands on Traditional skills and where to learn them

Lime pointing

What is it?Lime pointing relates to the finishing of joints, generally on the outside of buildings, with a narrow ridge of putty or fine lime. Pointing is the material that holds bricks together, and some material, such as lime, weathers and allows the building to breathe, therefore preventing the brickwork wearing away. Most period buildings were constructed using lime mortar and sand. With the advent of cement in the 20th century, many of the traditional lime techniques began to die out, and repairs on older buildings were carried out using a mix of sand and cement, which often stops the building breathing.

How is it done?There are several types of pointing, including tuck pointing, wigging joints and simple flush pointing. With flush pointing, the joint and pointing appear flush with the brickwork. This weatherproofs the building, as well as adding to the aesthetic. With more skilled forms of pointing, it is sometimes used to cover over what may have been poor brickwork of the Georgian era.

One of those still using traditional techniques is fourth-generation lime pointer Derek Bacon, of Bacon Restorations. Bacon, who learned his techniques from his father, uses mainly traditional methods and tools. Many of the tools are similar to those used by a plasterer. “With pointing, we take out the old mortar and then repair the bricks where necessary, before applying the new lime,” says Bacon. “The tools haven’t changed much or at all. We use trowels and a hawk, much the same as plasterers use, to hold mortar. Where there has been modernisation in tools, it is to extract the old mortar. Sometimes we might use angle grinders. I know that is frowned upon by purists, but if you’re dealing with very hard sand and cement, the only way is with a power tool.”

How long does it take?That depends on the size of the area to be worked on and the type of pointing used. For some more elaborate styles, the work will require more time and expertise. Recently, for example, Bacon worked on a double-fronted Georgian house on Henrietta Street in Dublin. It took him almost a year to repair and repoint the whole building, using the tuck-pointing technique. Many of the old businesses and families have ceased pointing, but some companies specialising in cleaning brickwork have started to offer pointing services.

Where do I sign up?From October 26th, the Irish Georgian Society (igs.ie) is holding a series of lectures on six consecutive Wednesdays from 6pm to 9pm at 63 Merrion Square, Dublin 2. The series focuses on conserving period houses; the lecture on November 9th will feature lime pointing, with experts Grainne Shaffrey and Susan Roundtree on hand. The course costs €25.