Skip to main content

Historic Preservation - Technical Procedures

Spectitle:
Repointing Marble

Procedure code:
0445520R

Source:
National Capitol Region Specifications

Division:
Masonry

Section:
Marble

Last Modified:
02/24/2012

Details:
Repointing Marble



REPOINTING MARBLE


PART 1---GENERAL

1.01 SUMMARY

    A.   This procedure includes guidance on raking out and
         repointing the deteriorated or inappropr= iately repointed
         horizontal and vertical joints on exteri= or marble.

    B.   See 01100-07-S for general project guidelines to be
         reviewed along with this procedure.  These guidelines
         cover the following sections:

         1.   Safety Precautions

         2.   Historic Structures Precaution= s

         3.   Submittals

         4.   Quality Assurance

         5.   Delivery, Storage and Handling=

         6.   Project/Site Conditions

         7.   Sequencing and Scheduling

         8.   General Protection (Surface and Surrounding)

         These guidelines should be reviewed prior to performing
         this procedure and should be followed, when applicable,
         along with recommendations from the Regional Historic
         Preservation Officer (RHPO).

1.02 REFERENCES

    A.   American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), 100
         Barr Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428, (610) 832-9585
         or FAX (610) 832-9555.

1.03 QUALITY ASSURANCE

    A.   Regulatory Requirements: Marble Design Manual, ASTM C144-
         70, Aggregate for Masonry mortar; ASTM C150-74 Portland
         Cement; manufacturer's printed recommend= ations for
         product use and installation.

    B.   Certifications: Prior to delivery, submit certific= ates
         attesting compliance with applicable specifications for
         grades, types, classes.

    C.   Field Samples: Prior to raking out all areas, cut back
         joints at location selected by the Contr= acting Officer
         using the methods specified. Raking will continue at no
         additional cost to the Government, until an acceptable
         sample is achieved. This area will serve as standard for
         joint raking for the entire job. It will be marked and
         left unpointed until all other pointing is completed.
         Point when directed by the Contracting Officer.

1.04 PROJECT/SITE CONDITIONS

    A.   Existing Conditions: No stone work will be perform= ed when
         the air temperature is 40 F and falling or when stone
         surface temperature is 40 F or below.


PART 2---PRODUCTS

2.01 MATERIALS

    A.   Portland cement: Type I, ASTM C150, gray and/or white as
         necessary to match mortar color specifie= d.

    B.   Hydrated masons lime: ASTM C207.

    C.   Aggregate: Clean sharp sand free of loam, silt, soluble
         salts and organic matter. Aggregate shall conform to the
         size gradations specified as a result of laboratory
         analysis of an approved sample.

         1.   Choose the color of the aggreg= ate so that the dry
              mortar color matches specified color.

    D.   Water: Clean and free of deleterious amounts of oils,
         acids, alkalis and organic matter.

2.03 EQUIPMENT

    A.   Chisels

    B.   Joint tools

    C.   Hawks

    D.   Stiff fiber bristle brushes

    E.   Trowels

    F.   Rubber mallet

2.04 MIXES

    A.   Proportions for Marble Pointing, or as determined by
         mortar analysis:

         1.   Portland cement: 1 part by volume

         2.   Lime: 2 parts by volume

         3.   Aggregate: 9 parts by volume
         4.   Water: To form a workable consistency

    B    Mixing Procedures:

         1.   Measure materials by volume or equivalent height.

         2.   Do not measure by shovel. Use known measure.

         3.   Mix ingredients in clean mecha= nical batch mixer for
              3-5 minutes.

         4.   Let mortar sit for 20 minutes prior to use to allow
              for initial shrinkage. Use mortar within 1=AB hours
              of initial mixing.


PART 3---EXECUTION

3.01 ERECTION, INSTALLATION, APPLICATION

    A.   Rake out all stone joints in designated areas by hand
         using a chisel =AC" or less in widt= h. Clean all mortar from
         surfaces within the joint or crack so that the new
         pointing mortar bonds to the building material, not old
         mortar. Do not chip or spall edges of the marble. If work
         is found unacceptable, all raking will cease without
         additional cost to the Government until deficiencies in
         tools, workers or methodologies have been corrected to
         the Contracting Officer's satisfaction.<= br>
    B.   Joint depth to be at least 3/4" but in all cases rake
         back to expose sound mortar.

    C.   Brush, vacuum or flush joints to remove all dirt and
         loose debris.

    D.   Reduce initial absorption of the stone by thorough= ly
         wetting (surface dry) with clean water just prior to
         repointing.

    E.   Pack joints with mortar leaving no voids. Place mortar in
         layers not exceeding =AB" depth. Apply succeeding layers
         only after preceding layer has taken initial set.

    F.   Use clean tools and equipment free from hardened or
         partially set mortar.

    G.   Clean excess mortar from stone and joints, removin= g
         splashed mortar and droppings immediatel= y.

    H.   Do not retemper or use mortar which has partially set, is
         caked or is lumpy.

    I.   Finish horizontal and vertical face joints. Do not allow
         mortar to extend over the surface of the stone.

    J.   Curing: Keep joints damp (90% RH) for at least 72 hours
         or until surface is cured. Protect joints from rapid
         drying due to wind (i.e., covering tarps, enclosure on
         scaffolding).

3.02 ADJUSTING/CLEANING

    A.   At the time of repairing, pointing and resetting the
         marble, immediately remove mortar, grout and adhesives
         from the face of the masonry.

    B.   Use only tools and equipment which are clean and free of
         hardened or partially hardened material.=

    C.   Clean marble only with fiber bristle brushes and water.
         Use no acids, detergents, or other clean= ing agents.

                         END OF SECTION