Repointing mortar joints in older buildings

This guide, Mortars: Materials, Mixes, and Methods is your essential guide to repointing mortar joints in Australia's historic stone and brick structures.  

Authored by David Young OAM, an expert on traditional mortars, this guide has the support of heritage councils across the country.  

It provides all the information you need to work effectively with lime mortars.  

Lime was the main binder in mortars and plasters for Australia’s early colonial buildings. It was used in home construction until the mid-20th century.  

After World War II, cement mortars became common. Knowledge of lime mortars declined. This guide helps restore that knowledge.  

Delivered in three parts, it covers:

• key terms and concepts 

• different mortar materials, mixes, binders, sands and aggregates 

• a ‘quick guide’ to mortar mixes 

• why using modern mortars on older buildings can cause damage 

• the practical aspects of repointing 

• the importance of using the correct tools and properly curing new mortars. 

This guide is your go-to resource for preserving the integrity and beauty of older buildings with the right materials and methods. 

Supporting resources

• Heritage technical codes: Repointing with lime mortars

  Explore heritage technical codes

  External link

• Heritage technical codes: Lime mortars for the repair of masonry

  Explore heritage technical codes

  External link