re-pointing old stonework in cellar

[justinfrance]

looking for advice on repointing old stonework in the cellar of my house in france, which dates from around 1900. the cellar is not humid, and seems well-ventilated but the mortar between the stone, which is in good nick, is crumbling in a lot of places - i take it either because of time, or because it has been badly done in between times. thanks

[tim reeve]

I would rake out the joints between the stone using a pick hammer.Sand supplied in france is very course, so i would mix 4 parts sand to 1 cement.Wet the joints down with water before you start pointing.Force the cemet in with a pointing towel, as the cement hardens brush it with a soft brush.I hope this will help you.

[justinfrance]

thanks for the reply. any idea on drying time - or how long i should wait before covering the walls with insulation and gyproc? my plan is to refurbish the cellar.