Striking Joints

Definition

Striking joints is the process of removing excess grout from the joints by wiping with a sponge or cloth or scraping, compacting, or rubbing with a curved instrument.

Purpose

The purpose of striking joints is to create clean, well-defined mortar joints in masonry construction, enhancing the appearance and weather resistance of the structure.

Examples of Use

• Brick walls often require striking joints to achieve a neat, uniform finish.
• Stone masonry employs striking joints to compact and shape the mortar between stones.
• Decorative masonry work uses striking joints to create aesthetically pleasing patterns and textures.

Related Terms

• Pointing: The process of finishing the joints of brickwork or masonry with mortar.
• Tuckpointing: A method of finishing masonry joints with a fine, pointed line of mortar.
• Joint Tooling: The process of shaping and finishing mortar joints using a jointing tool.

Notes

Proper striking of joints is essential for both the structural integrity and aesthetic quality of masonry work, requiring skill and attention to detail.