How to Joint Brick Facades? + video

Brick Jointing and Its Importance in Building Facades

Brick jointing plays a significant role in enhancing the beauty of brick facades. Facing bricks are produced in a variety of designs and colors, creating a unique appearance for both interior and exterior facades. However, the brick joints themselves also contribute to completing this beauty. In this article, we will learn about the method of brick jointing and general information related to it.

What Is Brick Jointing?

Brick joint mortar is the mixture that fills the gaps between bricks. The components of brick joint mortar typically include suitable aggregates, powdered polymers, cement, thickeners, and permitted chemical additives. When combined with water, they form a sticky mixture.

This mixture is applied into the empty gaps between the bricks using special brick jointing tools, such as a pointing trowel or a dedicated jointing machine. Brick jointing not only strengthens the bond between the facing bricks and the surface but also enhances the aesthetic appeal of the brick facade while providing additional protection.

Types of Brick Joint Mortars

Depending on its application, different mortars may be chosen. The two most commonly used types are:

1. Grout mortar (sand and cement mix)
2. Brick jointing powder

Advantages of Brick Jointing Powder

• Higher quality and faster application compared to traditional mortars
• Produced in various colors to better match the facade bricks
• Increased strength and adhesion of the facing brick to the wall
• Prevents water penetration beneath the brick surface
• Protects against damage and detachment of facade bricks over time
• Adhesive and flexible properties
• Prevents cracking of joints and efflorescence
• No shrinkage

Essential Features of Brick Jointing Powder

1. Color: Brick jointing powder is manufactured in white, black, yellow, brown, and other shades to complement brick and stone facades.
2. Resistance: It offers excellent durability against moisture and rainwater. Unlike other mortars, jointing powder prevents shrinkage and cracking.
3. Joint Thickness: The thickness of brick joints should be between 8 and 20 mm. Aggregate size should not exceed 1 mm, and cement content should be about 400 kg per cubic meter.

Preparing Brick Joint Mortar

To prepare the mortar, add about 15% water to the jointing powder to create a paste. Let the mixture rest for 7–15 minutes before use. It can be applied within 2 hours after preparation; beyond this time, it hardens and becomes unusable.

Jointing Methods for Fire Bricks, Decorative Bricks, and Traditional Bricks

1. Place a suitable amount of mortar on the pointing tool.
2. Insert it between two bricks.
3. Start with the horizontal joints, followed by the vertical joints.
4. Finally, clean any remaining mortar from the brick surface with a plastic brush.

• For fire bricks, the mortar should be looser (less paste-like) to ensure proper filling.
• For decorative and traditional bricks, which often have grooved surfaces, a stiffer, paste-like mortar is more suitable.

Types of Brick Jointing

1. Flat Jointing: Smooth and even, used mostly in dry, low-rainfall regions.
2. Raised Jointing: The mortar protrudes slightly beyond the brick surface, creating depth and breaking uniformity, often used with smooth, uniform bricks.
3. Sloped Jointing: Angled joints that allow water to run off easily, ideal for wet and rainy areas.
4. Colored Jointing: Uses colored joint powders to create vibrant, aesthetic facades.
5. Hollow Jointing: Applied only to vertical or horizontal sections, usually for bricks with unique designs and colors.

Key Points to Consider in Brick Jointing

• Jointing should be done at least 48 hours after brick installation, ideally after a few weeks.
• Precision in jointing is crucial to achieving an attractive finish.
• After preparing the paste, allow it to rest for 15 minutes before use.
• Wear gloves, a mask, and protective glasses during application.
• Avoid jointing during frost; the ideal temperature is between 5–35°C.
• If applying a nano-coating for waterproofing, ensure the bricks and joints are completely dry.

FAQ – Brick Facade Jointing

1.  What is brick facade jointing?
   It’s the process of filling gaps between bricks to improve strength, water resistance, and appearance.
2.  What materials are used in jointing mortar?
   A mix of cement, aggregates, polymers, thickeners, and additives combined with water.
3.  Which mortars are commonly used?
   Grout mortar (sand & cement) and ready-made jointing powder.
4.  Why choose jointing powder?
   It’s faster, stronger, moisture-resistant, and comes in various colors.
5.  What colors are available?
   White, black, yellow, brown, and more to match different facades.
6.  How thick should the joints be?
   Usually between 8–20 mm.
7. 7. How to prepare jointing mortar?
   Mix powder with 15% water, let it rest for 10 minutes, and use within 2 hours.
8. 8. Are there different methods of jointing?
   Yes – flat, raised, sloped, colored, and hollow jointing.
9. 9. When is the best time for jointing?
   At least 48 hours after brick installation, ideally in 5–35°C.
10. 10. Can waterproof coating be applied after jointing?
    Yes, once the facade and joints are fully dry.

Conclusion

Brick jointing involves filling the gaps between bricks with mortar. It strengthens the adhesion and durability of the brick facade, prevents water infiltration, and enhances the overall appearance.

Compared to traditional grout mortars, jointing powder improves quality, beauty, and durability. Its wide range of colors also makes it suitable for different brick facade designs.