The word "repointed" refers to the act of repairing or renewing the mortar joints between bricks or stones in a building. The phonetic transcription of the word is /riːˈpɔɪntɪd/. The first syllable is pronounced as "ree" with a long "e" sound, followed by "point" with a short "oi" sound, and ending in "ed" with a "d" sound. The spelling of the word is derived from the combination of the prefix "re" meaning again and "point" meaning to indicate a position, forming a verb that implies the act of returning to a specific point or state of condition.
The term "repointed" refers to the action of restoring or renewing the mortar joints in a brick or stone wall, building, or structure. This process involves the removal of damaged or deteriorated mortar, followed by the application of new mortar to secure and stabilize the bricks or stones. Repointing is typically performed to address structural issues, prevent water infiltration, and enhance the overall integrity and appearance of the masonry work.
When masonry structures age, the mortar holding the bricks or stones together can degrade due to weathering, expansion and contraction, or natural wear and tear. Repointing is a crucial maintenance procedure undertaken to replace the weakened or eroded mortar. The process requires careful attention to detail and skilled craftsmanship to ensure that the new mortar matches the original in terms of composition, texture, and color.
Repointing is commonly carried out by skilled masons or restoration experts. The first step involves carefully chiseling or grinding out the damaged mortar, being careful not to harm the surrounding bricks or stones. Once the old mortar is removed, the joints are thoroughly cleaned and prepared for the application of fresh mortar. The new mortar, carefully mixed to match the original composition, is then skillfully applied to the joints using specialized tools such as pointing trowels or pointing guns.
Repointing not only helps to strengthen the masonry structure, but it also improves its aesthetic appeal by restoring a clean and cohesive appearance. Quality repointing work can significantly extend the lifespan of a building or structure, ensuring its structural integrity and preserving its historical significance for generations to come.
The word "repointed" is a derivative of the verb "repoint". The etymology of "repoint" can be traced back to the combination of two elements:
1. "Re-" is a prefix in English that denotes repetition or restoration. It comes from the Old English prefix "re-", meaning "again" or "back". It is often used to indicate doing something again or returning something to a former state.
2. "Point" is derived from the Old French word "point", which means "point" or "sharp end". This Old French word evolved from the Latin word "punctum", which has the same meaning.
When combined, "re-" and "point" form the verb "repoint", which means to restore or renew the mortar joints of brickwork or stonework by replacing or repairing the pointing.