Repointing?

[superdon]

My preferred guy gas got back in touch tonight and obviously done some research. He's now suggesting using a hydraulic lime with sand. I am waiting for a new price.

Am I right in thinking 3.5 is the strength we need? About how much would I need and how's beat to buy it? Been looking on a few websites and it seems to be about £10 for a 25kg bag or £8 for a 10kg ready to mix tub, pre coloured with the sand ready to go.

 

[superdon]

Just confirmed. Same price for the labour £270. I buy the hydraulic lime. Just need to know how much I need

 

[ntb]

Yes 3.5. Just measure the area to be pointed and give a supplier a call with the area that needs doing. Check with them on what sand they recommend and the ratio of sand to lime.

 

[superdon]

Thanks.

Does two bags of 25kg sound enough? I am thinking I need just over 25kg but two bags will allow for plenty of waste.

 

[superdon]

Was going to order NHL today. The supplier was telling me how important the correct sand was. We were going to use washed sharp sand. Is that not good enough?

 

[stuart45]

I normally use 50/50 sharp/building sand. When it first goes in the mixer don't put too much water in. After about 10-15 minutes it gets wetter as the air gets into the mix.

 

[superdon]

I normally use 50/50 sharp/building sand. When it first goes in the mixer don't put too much water in. After about 10-15 minutes it gets wetter as the air gets into the mix.

Ok, so are the suppliers of the.lime just trying to flog me some.of their specialist sands, but they are not really needed?

I understand some sands alter the colour of the mortar. To be honest we are not particularly bothered about matching the existing or anything like that. In fact if anything, we want it to be more normal cement mortar coloured so it matches the neighbours a bit better!

 

[stuart45]

I normally use 50/50 sharp/building sand. When it first goes in the mixer don't put too much water in. After about 10-15 minutes it gets wetter as the air gets into the mix.

Ok, so are the suppliers of the.lime just trying to flog me some.of their specialist sands, but they are not really needed?

For what you are doing that mix should be fine. A sharp sand helps create pores for the mortar to breathe.