Cement mix for pointing

[midagetrolop]

I need to re-point the gable end of my garage.......the inverted vee between the brickwork and the roof tiles.
I've been told that a sand/cement mix made with washing up liquid will produce a long lasting effect. Is this true? and if so do i use neat w-u-l or some water with it? Anybody out there who knows of this trick and could give me some further advice. help please.

[alavahalf]

I'm sure you should only use neat washing up liquid on your hands and your dishes..

As for pointing I'd try sand and cement ... 4 parts sand to 1 part cement should do.
If you want to add your Fairy, add it to the water before you add the water to the sand cement.
I normaly use a bit of building adhesive adehesive (unibond) to the water ... it just makes the mix easier to work with.
But it's a definite no ... to using washing up liquid instead of water...!

[gazzawazza]

When brickwork is repointed it's normally done with a 3 to 1 mix. (3 sand, 1 cement).

Don't use washing up liquid, this aerates the mixture with tiny bubbles leaving it more porous. Use mortar plasticiser available from any builders' merchant or DIY store.