What is pointing in paving?
Pointing is the mortar or resin compound applied between paving joints to seal them and bind the stones or blocks together.
In paving work, pointing refers to the material packed between the joints of adjacent paving stones or blocks. This fill material serves to seal the gaps, lock the units in place, and prevent movement, erosion, and weed growth. Pointing is distinct from simply leaving sand in the joints, which offers minimal stability.
Pointing materials fall into two main types:
- Mortar (typically cement-based) is the traditional choice and sets hard to create a rigid bond between paving units.
- Resin-based pointing is a modern alternative that offers flexibility, durability, and resistance to staining and weather.
Sand joints, by contrast, remain loose and shift under foot traffic and weathering. While cheaper initially, they allow stones to settle unevenly and gaps to widen over time, creating an unstable surface.
Good pointing is essential for longevity. It prevents rainwater from pooling beneath the surface, which can cause frost damage and subsidence. It also improves safety by keeping the paving surface level and firm underfoot. Paving contractors in Cheltenham will typically recommend pointing during installation or as part of maintenance when existing joints fail.