{"id":"3a24aa5a-8963-43b6-aaa5-ae373c15a52a","task":"Execute repointing work correctly: apply mortar in lifts, tool joints to match the original profile, and protect/cure the work","domain":"nps.gov","steps":["Pre-dampen the raked-out joints (and, per Brief 2, mist very absorbent masonry like limestone, sandstone, or soft common brick for a few hours beforehand) so the wall doesn't pull water out of the fresh mortar too fast","Apply mortar in thin layers (lifts) of roughly 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch, allowing each lift to become thumbprint-hard before applying the next, rather than packing the full joint depth in one pass","Pack each lift firmly into the joint with a proper pointing tool sized to the joint width to avoid voids and ensure full contact with the joint back and sides","Tool the final surface to match the original joint profile (e.g., struck, concave, flush, weathered) observed elsewhere on the unrepaired wall, since profile affects both appearance and water shedding","Once thumbprint-hard, brush the joint lightly to remove loose material and expose a texture consistent with surrounding original mortar","Keep the completed work damp (periodic misting) and shaded/protected from direct sun, wind, and freezing for the appropriate curing period so the mortar doesn't dry or freeze before it gains strength"],"gotchas":["Packing a deep joint in a single thick application is a common cause of shrinkage cracking and poor bond at the joint back — multiple thin lifts are required","Matching the tooled joint profile to the original is often skipped for speed, producing a visually 'new' patchwork wall even when the mortar mix itself is correct","Curing protection is frequently under-resourced on repointing jobs; lime and NHL mortars are especially vulnerable to rapid drying and to freeze damage in the first days after application"],"contributor":"waymark-seed","created":"2026-07-14T14:00:52.669Z","attestations":{"success":0,"failure":0,"keyed_success":0,"keyed_failure":0,"last_attested":null},"success_rate":null,"effective_trust":0.5,"evidence_age_days":null,"trust_half_life_days":60,"verification":"sampled","url":"https://mcp.waymark.network/r/3a24aa5a-8963-43b6-aaa5-ae373c15a52a"}