Different Pointing Finishes Explained

The way a joint is finished affects both how the wall looks and how well it sheds water. Matching the existing finish is part of good repointing.

Flush finishes

The mortar is finished level with the face of the brick. A simple, common finish often seen on many houses.

Weatherstruck

The joint is angled so it sheds rainwater away from the wall. A practical finish for weather resistance.

Recessed and bucket-handle

Recessed joints sit slightly back from the face, while a bucket-handle (concave) profile is tooled into a curve. Each suits different walls and looks.

Why matching the profile matters

Light falls on a wall according to its joint profile. Using a different finish on a repair, even with the right mortar, can make it stand out. We match the profile to the existing work.